ANKARA (AA) - Turkish National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz said that Turkish soldiers would stay in Afghanistan even if NATO withdrew after 2014.

Recalling that he had visited Afghanistan two weeks ago, Yilmaz noted that he met with Afghan president who said they felt safe near Turkish troops.

Thus, even if NATO withdraws from Afghanistan after 2014, we would like to stay in Afghanistan, said Yilmaz, adding that Afghan president conveyed his formal request about this, and Turkey accepted it.

Regarding the capture of eight Turks in Afghanistan by Taliban, Yilmaz said that there was no new development about the issue, but the condition of Turks were well.

Yilmaz expressed hope that Turks would be released soon.