President Ashraf Ghani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a closed-door meeting at the sideline of the OIC summit in Istanbul late on Wednesday.

AVA- According to a statement released by Ghani’s office, the two sides had discussed regional issues, Afghan peace process and expanding bilateral cooperation between their countries.
 
The statement said that President Ghani thanked his Turkish counterpart for his country’s support and cooperation with Afghanistan in different aspects, especially their contribution to the ISAF and now with the Resolute Support Mission.
 
Praising the Turkish Companies working in Afghanistan, Ghani has also urged Turkey to introduce government registered companies to Kabul, in order to take part in the implementation of infrastructural and construction projects.
 
On his part, President Erdogan has reaffirmed the continuation of Turkey’s support and partnership with Afghanistan and stressed in strengthening ties.
 
Erdogan has promised to increase educational cooperation with Kabul, adding that Ankara is ready to build Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi university for women in Afghanistan.
 
In addition, both sides also talked about the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process and its importance for regional peace and stability.
 
Both leaders have affirmed that the strategic cooperation among regional countries and connectivity is key to boost the economy. The leaders have mentioned the Lapis-Lazuli Transit, Trade and Transport Route as an achievement that aims to enhance regional economic cooperation and connectivity in the region.
 
On the Afghan peace process, President Ghani has reiterated that Kabul was always ready to negotiate for the end of the ongoing violence in Afghanistan. Adding, that Afghan government is ready to negotiate in two dimensions – negotiating with Pakistan and inter-Afghan dialogue with the Taliban.
 
The Turkish President has expressed his support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, saying that his country is ready to work to improve the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.