The Turkish and US military discussed plans to continue guarding the Kabul airport by the Turkish Armed Forces after the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan, AP reported.

Turkey has offered to guard and operate Hamid Karzai International Airport, the main gateway to Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the alliance's troops. Ankara, which has about 500 troops in Afghanistan, counts on the support of the United States and other allies in this mission.

Last week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after a meeting with his American counterpart Joe Biden that Turkey expects the United States to provide diplomatic, logistical, and financial assistance to protect and operate the airport. 

According to him, Turkey also wanted Pakistan and Hungary to be involved in the mission.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that a technical delegation from the United States had arrived for the talks.

Critics view Turkey's proposal to operate the airport as part of the Erdogan government's efforts to mend relations with the United States, which have deteriorated due to many differences.