The French Army has handed over its command of Nato troops stationed in Kabul to Turkey.
Nato troops have operated exclusively in Kabul's 'third circle' since the beginning of 2009. The first circle is controlled by police and the third by the Afghan Army.
Upon transferring the lead security responsibility to Turkey, the French contingent in Kabul has been redeployed to nearby Kapisa province and to the Saroubi district in Kabul province.
Turkish General Levent Colak said that the Turkish soldiers' presence in Afghanistan should not only be taken as merely a military task.
"The common cultural assets such as religion, values and tradition, and the goodwill of us will help to prevail over all difficulties," he said.
Turkish forces in Kabul have been increased from 900 to 1,700 troops in recent times to enhance their command in the region.
