Taliban sees good relations with brotherly Turkey, will adapt to world order

The Taliban said it foresees good relations with Turkey as it seeks to adapt to the world order following military victory in Afghanistan, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said.

“Turkey is a great, Islamic, brotherly country,” Shaheen said in an interview with Turkish broadcaster AHaber on Monday.

The Taliban claimed military victory at the weekend after securing the capital Kabul. Although stressing commonalities with Muslim Turkey, the group has said repeatedly that Turkey must withdraw its military from Afghanistan alongside other international forces or become a possible target.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he may receive the Taliban’s leader to help negotiate a solution to the troubles in Afghanistan. In July, he said Turkey did not have any conflicting issues with the Taliban’s beliefs, making such negotiations easier.

NATO member Turkey, which has provided security at Kabul international airport, was in talks with the United States to continue its presence there after U.S. troops pull-out.

On Monday, Turkish sources denied reports that Ankara planned to permanently abandon plans to maintain security at the airport, saying it was ready to provide technical support to the Taliban. It has also said it plans to work with Pakistan to help Afghanistan map out its future.

Shaheen signalled that the Taliban was willing to work with international actors as it sought to consolidate power.

“May everyone be at ease, the government that will be established in Afghanistan will adapt to the world order,” he said.