Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, met Wednesday with Sadin Ay Yildiz, head of Turkey’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, and discussed the expansion of bilateral cooperation as well as addressing the problems of Afghan migrants in Turkey.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Refugees quoted Yildiz as saying: “Afghanistan holds special importance for the Government of Turkey, and currently, in addition to governmental assistance, several Turkish non-governmental organizations and institutions are also engaged in providing aid to those in need and implementing development projects in Afghanistan.”

According to Yildiz, Turkey supports a stable and self-reliant Afghanistan and believes that Afghanistan holds an important position in regional connectivity.

He added that Ankara supports dialogue in resolving Afghanistan’s issues and continues its efforts in this regard.

He further stated that Turkey has issued work visas for 20,000 Afghan citizens in the livestock sector alone and is seeking solutions to irregular migration.

During the meeting, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir expressed appreciation for Turkey’s assistance and cooperation in various fields, adding that relations between Kabul and Ankara have always been based on mutual respect and cooperation, and expressed hope that ties between the two countries will become even closer and more expanded.

Abdul Kabir stated that Afghanistan, by achieving full security and stability, has numerous opportunities, and efforts are ongoing to make Afghanistan an important and active part of regional connectivity.

Emphasizing cooperation between the private sectors of Afghanistan and Turkey, he also referred to some of the challenges faced by Afghan migrants in Turkey and said that the Islamic Emirate supports the voluntary return of Afghan migrants.

At the end of the meeting, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir once again expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s mediation in talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan and described Turkey as a friendly country to Afghanistan.

Authorities in Badakhshan province have announced the immediate suspension of all illegal mining and gold panning activities in Shighnan district until legal procedures are completed and official licenses are obtained.

According to local officials, the decision was made during a meeting chaired by Mohammad Ismail Ghaznawi, with the participation of the provincial Department of Mines and Petroleum, local district authorities, and representatives of mining and gold-panning workers.

Officials said the main objective of the meeting was to curb illegal extraction activities and address the concerns of local residents.

The governor emphasized that no individual, group, or company will be allowed to carry out mining operations in the province without legal authorization and coordination with the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the provincial mining department.

He further stated that a new mining regulation framework will soon be announced by the authorities of the Islamic Emirate, after which applicants will be able to resume operations in accordance with official procedures through the Badakhshan provincial mining department