Turkey, Afghanistan discuss security, training of police

Atalay and Atmar were expected to debate security and training of security personnel in their meeting.

"I hope Afghanistan will normalize again and democratic system and economic freedom will be ensured in this country," Atalay told reporters before the meeting.

Turkey is actually commanding the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and has 1,538 troops there, including 100 gendarmery members and 25 special force members.

Atalay said the Turkish Cooperation Agency (TIKA) had constructed schools, hospitals and health institutions in Afghanistan.

Turkey had been training 17 Afghan students at its Police Academy and Turkish personnel had trained 600 police officers in Afghanistan, Atalay said.

"Turkey will never leave its Afghan brothers alone, and will do what it has to do," Atalay also said.

Also speaking to reporters, Atmar thanked Turkey for its contributions to Afghanistan's reconstruction and said Turkey particularly undertook a role in training Afghan police.

Atmar also said they wanted to bring the Turkish police model to Afghanistan.

/World Bulletin/