Senior Turkish and Iraqi officials convened in Baghdad on March 14 to address security concerns, particularly focusing on strategies to combat the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Iraq. A statement released by the Iraqi foreign ministry following the meeting disclosed that the talks involved Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, along with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein and top security officials.
Of note, the Iraqi National Security Council recently designated the PKK as a “banned organization in Iraq,” a move that was welcomed by Turkey, as noted in the joint statement. Additionally, preparations for an upcoming visit by President Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad were discussed, scheduled to take place “after the holy month of Ramadan.”
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism, a Turkish Defense Ministry official highlighted the need to develop a shared approach to counterterrorism during the discussions. In anticipation of President Erdogan’s visit, Turkish and Iraqi military officials engaged in talks over the weekend to enhance security measures in the region where Turkish operations are ongoing.
In a show of force, Turkey conducted air operations on January 13, targeting 29 sites linked to the PKK in northern Iraq and Syria, as announced by the Turkish National Defense Ministry. The strikes, which specifically focused on areas in Iraq such as Metina, Hakurk, Gara, and Qandil, as well as northern Syria, came in response to a PKK attack in northern Iraq that claimed the lives of nine Turkish soldiers.
Recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, the PKK continues to pose a threat to regional security. The collaborative efforts of Turkish and Iraqi officials during the security talks in Baghdad underscore a shared commitment to counterterrorism measures aimed at safeguarding civilians in the region.
Source: Agencies (editted by Al-Manar English Website)
