Turkey has decided to increase its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will soon open a new consulate in the country, according to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

In a statement, the ministry said Ambassador Oguzhan Ertugrul called upon the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani on Sunday and both sides discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties.

Ertugrul meanwhile said Turkey would soon establish a consulate in Herat, the statement read.

"The Turkish Ambassador counted Afghanistan as a good friend country to Turkey and announced the Turkish Prime Minister visit to Afghanistan in the near future.

“He mentioned the completion of the sixth training program for the young Afghan police officers in Turkey and assured the commitment of Turkey to continue the Afghan police officers training program.

“Earlier this month, the two countries announced the formation of a joint trade commission,” the statement read.

“Both sides talked regarding political, security and economic issues, Istanbul Process, bilateral relation, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting,” the statement read.

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) spokesman Sayam Pasarlay meanwhile told Anadolu Agency bilateral trade between the two countries was witnessing a significant surge and a new consulate in Herat would further promote it.

Pasarlay said Afghanistan wants to end its reliance on Pakistan and diversify its international trade routes; in this regard, the country sees Turkey as a major player in a number of sectors, mainly construction, medicine, garments and home appliances, Anadolu Agency reported.

Afghanistan's diplomatic ties with Turkey go a long way back. The country recognized the Republic of Turkey in the 1920s.