Turkey vital to Afghan reconstruction - British foreign secretary

Turkey is ‘‘pivotal’’ in the reconstruction of Afghanistan following the military strikes against the country’s Taliban regime, The British foreign secretary Jack Straw said today.

Mr Straw emerged from ‘‘fruitful and constructive’’ talks in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, to say he was looking forward to future discussions as the international coalition shifted from military action to reconstruction.

The two ministers indicated that Turkish troops might be involved in peacekeeping in Afghanistan following the American-led action, but said the rebuilding of the country would be ‘‘gradual’’.

Mr Straw said: ‘‘Turkey has a pivotal, historical, geographical, political and military role to play in respect of Afghanistan.’’

Earlier he had held talks with the Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.