Afghanistan and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in the carpet industry, with a shared goal of increasing Afghan carpet exports to European markets via Turkey.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting in Kabul between Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Ahmet Diler, President of the Turkish Carpet Union, accompanied by a Turkish delegation. Also in attendance were representatives of the Afghan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Union.
The two sides emphasized the cultural and economic importance of Afghan carpets, which are widely recognized as one of the country’s most iconic and valuable export commodities.
Diler praised the exceptional craftsmanship and global reputation of Afghan carpets, noting their influential role in Turkey’s own carpet industry.
“With around 500 members, the Turkish Carpet Union is ready to support Afghanistan’s carpet sector and promote essential investments,” he stated.
Minister Azizi called for reduced Turkish tariffs on Afghan carpets and closer institutional collaboration to facilitate their entry into European markets. He also proposed a comprehensive joint strategy that includes marketing campaigns, cultural promotion, website development, and joint exhibitions to elevate the international profile of handwoven carpets.
In a forward-looking proposal, Azizi suggested a tripartite initiative between Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan—countries with rich carpet-making traditions—to globally promote handwoven carpets and safeguard their cultural heritage.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Turkish and Afghan carpet unions, formalizing plans for sectoral cooperation and joint development activities.
The Turkish delegation’s visit was made at the official invitation of the Afghan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Union and marks a significant step in deepening commercial, cultural, and strategic ties between the two nations’ historic carpet industries.
