Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, today, Saturday, and encouraged adopting a gradual engagement toward the "Taliban" who seized power in Afghanistan.

According to a statement issued by the Turkish Presidency, Erdogan underscored "the necessity to keep the channels of dialogue open with the Taliban... and carry out a gradual engagement rather than an approach based on severe conditions."

President @RTErdogan spoke by phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. pic.twitter.com/X5Btj9P9xb

— Turkish Presidency (@trpresidency) August 21, 2021

The Turkish President also lauded talks between the "Taliban" and former Afghan officials, describing them as "promising," adding, "although Turkey considered the messages of the Taliban to be moderate for the moment, the Taliban's actions, rather than its words, would ensure the shaping of the period ahead." 

Both sides agreed on the necessity of guaranteeing stability and civil peace through fighting terrorism and combatting drug smuggling.

Erdogan declared, two days ago, that Ankara is willing to hold a meeting with "Taliban's" government, "and discuss our mutual agendas," noting that he may receive the "Taliban" Leader in the coming period.

Turkey, which has a few hundred soldiers in Afghanistan, is working with the United States to secure Kabul Airport. In July, Ankara proposed to Washinton that it would manage Kabul Airport after the withdrawal of US forces.

Erdogan reiterated, "Turkey could maintain the responsibility of security and operation at Kabul airport in the future."