Türkiye's mission chief in Kabul affirms solidarity with Afghans amid multiple challenges

By Bilal Guler

KABUL (AA) - Türkiye's charge d'affaires and mission chief in Kabul, Cenk Unal, has emphasized Ankara’s support for the Afghan people through local institutions, “Goodness Trains,” and aid activities carried out by civil society organizations.

With the withdrawal of NATO forces led by the US from Afghanistan in Aug. 2021, after nearly 20 years of operations against the Taliban, aid to the war-torn country was largely cut off, and Western sanctions had a significant impact on the economy.

However, Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and various Turkish civil society organizations prepared “Goodness Trains” with humanitarian aid under the orders of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Nineteen "Goodness Trains" brought 8,200 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, while AFAD, Turkish Red Crescent, and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) teams continued their relief efforts.

So far, Turkish institutions have provided much humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of Afghans across 34 provinces, with a focus on disaster victims, orphans, widows, and the disabled.

People received essential aid such as tents, clothing, blankets, and food, as well as stationery supplies, carpets, wheelchairs, medicine, and health supplies for orphanages, schools, mosques, hospitals, and other disadvantaged groups.

- Türkiye among 1st countries to respond to earthquake

Türkiye provided aid to those affected by the October earthquake in Afghanistan's western Herat province, as well as "illegal" Afghan nationals expelled by Pakistan.

Many countries, as well as UN agencies, provided aid to those affected by the earthquake in Herat and expelled Afghans got refuge in makeshift camps along the Pakistani border.

Türkiye was among the first countries to send humanitarian aid to these areas via its institutions and civil society organizations.

The "Goodness Train" delivered aid to Afghans in need, while Turkish institutions and civil society organizations expanded their aid efforts in these areas.

- Türkiye’s strong reputation

Türkiye’s mission chief Unal shared some information with Anadolu about the humanitarian aid provided by Türkiye to Afghanistan.

Unal highlighted the difficulties of responding quickly to large-scale crises such as earthquakes and irregular migration, saying "no country has such capacity" to handle them alone.

He pointed out that “Turkish authorities swiftly and effectively” addressed the needs of Afghan citizens while “returning irregular migrants from Pakistan,” with some aid materials redirected accordingly.

"In addition, there are Turkish civil society organizations in Afghanistan. They have been active in Herat since the earthquake's first day and along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. They distributed tents, served hot meals, and worked to meet the needs of children and women. These are positive developments that strengthen Türkiye’s existing reputation in Afghanistan," he said.

Regarding the aid delivered by the latest "Goodness Train" to those affected by the Herat earthquake and Afghan populations near the Pakistan border, Unal emphasized the meticulous planning of the aid, which included "tents, blankets, heaters, food items, and child supplies."

"This also made us very happy. Our assistance, delivered through the Goodness Trains, has been prompt and effective in alleviating the crisis, particularly in Herat," he said.

- Türkiye’s aid will continue

Unal stressed that Türkiye stands with the Afghan people and will continue to provide humanitarian aid.

He also emphasized that the Taliban's control of Kabul caused numerous countries to leave Afghanistan, and explained Türkiye's perspective on the country's importance.

He said, "Türkiye is one of the few countries that has not closed its diplomatic mission in Kabul. Our embassy and consulate general, along with our other institutions, remained in Afghanistan and continued to carry out their duties. Because we do not regularly assess our close connections to Afghanistan.

“We have a rich history based on common experiences, culture, and values. Türkiye's humanitarian aid demonstrates the 100-year friendship between the two countries. We will continue to work to address the country's humanitarian crisis and help support the Afghan people.”

Unal praised Türkiye's significant involvement in Afghanistan, highlighting the efforts of TIKA, the Turkish Red Crescent, AFAD, and Türkiye's Maarif Foundation, all of which are closely monitored in the country.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul