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Afghanistan stands by Turkey, Stanikzai says on anniversary of 2016 defeated coup
A senior official of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) on Friday reaffirmed support and solidarity for Turkey as it marked the sixth anniversary of the 2016 defeated coup on Friday.
Speaking at an event at the Turkish Embassy in Kabul, Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbad Stanikzai said that Afghanistan and Turkey have long had historic and friendly relations.
He also thanked the Turkish people and government for their humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan right after a recent deadly earthquake, as well as their support in the field of education.
More than 250 people were killed and thousands were injured in Turkey in the July 15, 2016 coup attempt when rogue soldiers commandeered warplanes, helicopters and tanks to take control of institutions and overthrow Erdogan’s government.
Turkey’s ambassador in Kabul, Cihad Erginay, said his country achieved great success in its fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) within the framework of the rule of law at home and abroad in the last six years.
“The organizational structure of FETO within state institutions was uncovered, and ultimately, the parallel state structure of the organization was destroyed,” Erginay said.
Turkish people of all walks came together for a single purpose, which was to protect the democracy that night, he said, adding: “This has gone down in our history as the bloodiest terrorist attack that Turkey has been subjected to.”
Erginay stressed that the Turkish people were not alone in their endeavor to protect democracy and that numerous countries stood in solidarity with the Turkish government.
“The people of Afghanistan were among those who condemned the coup attempt and showed solidarity with us,” he noted.
Touching on the threat that the terror group poses to the countries where it has a presence, Erginay said: “FETO is an intelligence and criminal organization that constantly tries to create a political and economic sphere of influence in line with its crooked ambitions, which poses a threat to the security of every country in which it takes root and operates.”
Thanks to the close cooperation between the governments of Afghanistan and Turkey, 15 of the terror group’s so-called educational institutions were transferred to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, he said, adding that the foundation is doing its best to provide Afghan children with high-quality education opportunities.
Moreover, in cooperation with the Turkish Maarif Foundation, the Turkish Embassy in Kabul planted 250 trees near the Qargha Dam in honor of those killed in the defeated 2016 coup.
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, has urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an event at the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos against India, Nizamani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “brotherly ties” with Afghanistan.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in reducing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying Islamabad’s initiatives reflected its commitment to regional and global peace.
During the ceremony, Nizamani reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend itself against any aggression.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” the ambassador said, calling for heightened vigilance against regional threats.
Pakistani officials have consistently claimed that militants use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has denied this claim and said that Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s security failures.
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
Pakistan ambassador urges Afghan authorities to act against militant threats
Afghanistan signs $20 million contract for gold mining in Kunduz
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
New Afghanistan-China transport corridor launched via Turkmenistan
Afghanistan’s new cricket head coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Afghanistan moves toward self-sufficiency in car battery production
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
Saar: Afghanistan’s relations with the world discussed
Tahawol: Discussion on unknown fate of Middle East crisis
Saar: Problems and challenges of Afghan refugees in the world discussed
Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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