PRESS RELEASE

(Unofficial Translation)

As a troop contributor to Afghanistan since 2001, Turkey assumed the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) twice, in 2002 and 2005, and also led the Kabul Regional Command (RCC) for 8 months in 2007.

Turkey assumed the leadership of the RCC, on 1 November 2009, once more. In doing so, the presence of Turkish troops within ISAF reached 1800 personnel. As a result of the Turkish Armed Forces’ excellent success and close relationship with the Afghans in this challenging duty, we were requested to continue RCC leadership for another year.

Given Afghanistan’s special place in Turkish foreign policy and the central role the RCC has been playing in establishing security and stability in this brotherly country, Turkey has decided to extend her term in the RCC leadership for another year, starting from 1 November 2010.

This decision constitutes yet another important example of contributions made by Turkey to Afghanistan, first and foremost in the training of Afghan Security Forces, to create conditions conducive to sustainable security and stability environment in this friendly and brotherly country.