Erdo?an: "Turkey Has No Obligation to Become a Haven for Afghan Refugees"

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated, "Turkey has absolutely no obligation to become a safe haven for Afghan refugees."

President Erdogan made this remark on the 20th in response to concerns that the armed group Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan would lead to an influx of Afghan refugees into Turkey.

Local Turkish media reported that since the end of last month, more than 1,000 Afghan refugees have been entering Turkey daily via Iran.

President Erdogan said, "It is our duty to ensure that refugees can safely return to their homeland," adding, "Turkey will guarantee the safe return of refugees."

He also drew a line against opposition claims that Turkey is currently hosting 1.5 million Afghan refugees.

The current number of Afghan refugees in Turkey is estimated to be around 300,000 to 500,000. This is the second largest group in Turkey, following approximately 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

President Erdogan stated, "We will be able to engage in dialogue with the new government of Afghanistan," and added, "If necessary, we will meet with the new government established by the Taliban to discuss mutual agendas."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.