Türkiye and Iraq locked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on collaboration in security, military and counterterrorism, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed. The MoU was inscribed by the defence ministers of the two nations, Fidan stated at a joint news conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Türkiye’s capital Ankara, following the 4th session of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism.
Fidan stressed that Ankara and Baghdad have made substantial progress to fulfill the will demonstrated by their heads, noting an increased understanding of the PKK terror group in Iraq. He also stated that Türkiye and Iraq had been dealing with the MoU for some time. Fidan expressed the belief that the cooperation will be upgraded to a higher level through joint coordination and training centres drafted in the agreement.
He further said the desire to advance the acquaintance being developed with Iraq on counterterrorism via concrete actions on the ground. Emphasizing the significance of Iraq designating the PKK first as a “common danger” and then as a “banned organization,” Fidan stated: “In today’s meeting, we thoroughly addressed the security, military, and intelligence aspects of our relations, particularly the fight against the PKK. We explored additional cooperation opportunities and expressed our satisfaction with Iraq’s decision to close three political parties linked to the PKK.”
Fidan stated that they continue to execute strategic decisions to additionally institutionalize Türkiye’s historical ties with Iraq. He noted that recently they have strengthened mutual contacts at political and technical levels, maintaining their relations. Fidan stressed that this positive trend was crowned by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “historic visit” to Iraq in April.
He conveyed the signing of 27 agreements and memorandums of agreement during Erdogan’s visit as “the most significant manifestation of joint will.”
Noting that the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries envisions the structure of Joint Permanent Committees in necessary areas of collaboration, Fidan said these committees maintain relations in areas such as trade, energy, water problems, transportation, health, and education. The Turkish foreign minister pointed out that the Joint Planning Group selected by the Strategic Framework Agreement is liable for overseeing the committees and overseeing their work.
He further added that in the preparatory session of the Joint Planning Group, chaired by the deputy ministers of both nations, the stages of executing the signed agreements and activating the permanent committees were concerned. Hussein, for his part, stated that the MoU on security signed between Türkiye and Iraq is the first of its type in the history of the two nations.
He further stated that the PKK terrorist group is “now a banned association” in Iraq, adding: “Terrorism also endangers Iraqi society.”
Türkiye and Iraq will designate a joint security coordination centre in Baghdad, and a joint training and collaboration centre in Bashika to fight terrorism. All these centres will encourage the two countries to collaborate in their combat against terrorism, particularly the PKK terrorist body, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Fidan stated that Baghdad and Ankara are in “full understanding” on the issue of Gaza. “Today, we have chosen to start implementing visa exemption for Iraqi residents under 15 and over 50 years old, as approved during President Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad, beginning from Sep. 1,” he added.
