Former Turkish diplomat and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (IOC) representative in Afghanistan, Hüseyin Avni Botsalı, believes that Türkiye could play a key role in Afghanistan’s economic recovery.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Botsalı said that Türkiye has the opportunity to form a “strategic bridge” between Afghanistan and the developed world.
Botsalı, who represented the IOC in Afghanistan between 2018 to 2021, said that the country is undergoing a “virtual de-escalation period” and that there are “major opportunities” for Turkish businesses. He said that the people of Afghanistan are eager to revive economic ties with the world, and that Türkiye can help to facilitate this process.
Botsalı also acknowledged that there are some challenges to investing in Afghanistan, such as the lack of a well-developed banking sector. However, he argued that these challenges are not insurmountable. He said that the Taliban is making a “serious effort” to enable investors, and that Turkish businesses can show the flexibility necessary to succeed in Afghanistan.
Türkiye has kept close ties with the Taliban since the group’s seizure of power in August 2021. The country has been the only NATO member state to have kept its embassy open.
Türkiye has also given sanctuary to former political leaders, including Marsh Dostum and Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq.
