Turkey plans to open new consulate in Afghanistan

Turkey has decided to increase its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will soon open a new consulate in the country, according to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry said Ambassador Oguzhan Ertugrul called upon the Afghan Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani during which both sides discussed ways and means to bolster bilateral ties.

Ertugrul said Turkey would soon establish a consulate in the country's third-biggest city Heart bordering Iran, it said.

"Mr. Ertugrul pronounced Afghanistan as a good friend of Turkey, and informed [the Afghan side] about a visit by the Prime Minister [Binali Yildirim] to Afghanistan," it said.

Earlier this month, the two countries announced the formation of a joint trade commission.

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) spokesman Sayam Pasarlay told Anadolu Agency bilateral trade between the two countries was witnessing a significant surge and a new consulate in Herat would further promote it.

Pasarlay said Afghanistan wants to end its reliance on Pakistan and diversify its international trade routes; in this regard, the country sees Turkey as a major player in a number of sectors, mainly construction, medicine, garments and home appliances.

Afghanistan's diplomatic ties with Turkey go a long way back. The country recognized the Republic of Turkey in the 1920s.