Türkiye, Iraq reaffirm commitment to mutual sovereignty, cooperation, and counterterrorism

Türkiye and Iraq have once again emphasized the importance of each other's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.This commitment was reaffirmed in a joint statement following the conclusion of the fifth meeting of the High-Level Security Mechanism held on Sunday in Antalya, Turkey.

The two countries pledged to enhance coordination and cooperation across a range of bilateral areas, including military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, defense industry, energy, water, and the ongoing Development Road Project. This project aims to connect Asia and Europe through a network of railways, roads, ports, and cities.

Both sides expressed their shared intention to advance bilateral relations within a sustainable and institutional framework, underscoring the value of mutual visits. The statement also highlighted the planned visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Türkiye on May 8, which will serve as the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

A significant part of the statement focused on the common threat posed by the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. Over the past 40 years, the PKK has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths, including those of civilians. The group continues to operate from northern Iraq, launching cross-border attacks into Türkiye. Both countries agreed on the importance of implementing the recent call by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for the group to dissolve and lay down its arms.

In addition to counterterrorism efforts, Türkiye and Iraq agreed on the need to establish a joint committee to address the situation in the Al-Hol, Roj, and other camps in Syria. They also reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a joint operations center within the framework of the Quint Mechanism, a regional initiative launched on March 9 in Amman by Syria and its neighboring countries.

The joint statement also expressed concern over Israel’s severe violations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Both countries welcomed the positive results of a recent meeting between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Oman, viewing continued dialogue as a potential pathway to peace.

The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organization Head Ibrahim Kalin, and Deputy Interior Minister Munir Karaloglu, alongside Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and other officials.

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