Istanbul: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister met Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq, the leader of the People's Unity Party of Afghanistan, in Istanbul. Mohaqiq, who also chairs the Parliamentary Commission for Judicial Affairs, is in Turkey with an Afghan delegation to participate in the 738th anniversary of Moulana Jalaluddin Balkhi.

He was received by the Turkish Premier in the Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul. Erdogan reiterated the Turkish enduring commitment to support Afghanistan. He expressed his condolences over the untimely death of Professor Rabbani, the Shaheed Chairman of the High Peace Commission and tens of other innocents in a suicide attack during the mourning ceremony of "Ashoora", the tenth of Moharram.

He offered Turkish help for the treatment of those seriously injured in that attack. "Those who are responsible for these types of inhuman attacks cannot be called Muslims" he said.

Mohaqiq briefed the Turkish premier about the ongoing security transition and peace talks with the Taliban. He said that the peace process should be comprehensive, inclusive and not only the government but all the major political parties, civil society and women should be involved in this process.

Mohaqiq stressed that any unplanned withdrawal of ISAF troops would have a negative security impact. The Afghan National Police and the National Army should be properly trained and equipped to be able to face the security challenges before any withdrawal timetable. He also expressed his gratitude over the Turkish assistance to Afghanistan (Farda TV).