Turkey working with Qatar, US on operation of Kabul airport: Minister

Turkey is working with Qatar and the United States about operating Kabul airport and is in talks with the Taliban, Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu said on Sept. 7, adding security at the airport was the main issue.

class='cf'>

Çavuşoğlu told broadcaster NTV that 19 Turkish technicians were in Kabul, holding talks with Qataris about the airport.
Turkey has told the Taliban that it would not take part in the airport mission unless its units are involved in security.

Çavuşoğlu said the Taliban could ensure security outside the airport, but they would need a more reliable mechanism inside.

A private security company could be used for the mission if the Taliban insisted on having no foreign powers in Afghanistan, Çavuşoğlu said.

'Positive momentum in talks to with UAE'

The minister also said there was a positive momentum in Turkey's discussions with the United Arab Emirates to end a years-long rift and that ties could come back on track if the momentum was maintained.

Çavuşoğlu said ties between the two countries could be normalized if there are reciprocal steps and conditions are right.

class='cf'>

The regional rivals have held a series of contacts in recent weeks to ease tensions that fueled conflicts including Libya's war. While political differences remain, they are expected to focus on building economic ties and de-escalating their rift.