By NewsBlogger Turkish and Iraqi officials discuss counter-terrorism and security cooperation, with a focus on addressing the threat posed by the PKK in the region.
At a glance
- Turkish Foreign Minister met with Iraqi Foreign Minister in Baghdad to discuss counter-terrorism, security, and military cooperation.
- Turkey emphasized the need for greater collaboration from Iraq in combating the PKK.
- Turkish President Erdogan is set to visit Iraq in April with the goal of eliminating the PKK’s presence by summer.
- Turkey has increased airstrikes against PKK targets in Syria and Iraq following PKK attacks on Turkish military bases.
- Iraqi authorities are considering a similar approach towards the PKK as they did with Iranian Kurdish dissident groups.
The details
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad to discuss counter-terrorism, security, and military cooperation.
Turkey emphasized the need for greater collaboration from Iraq in combating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is not designated as a terrorist organization in Iraq but is prohibited from launching attacks against Turkey from Iraqi soil.
The PKK, with a stronghold in the northern Kurdish region of Iraq, poses a significant security threat to both Turkey and Iraq, as highlighted in a joint statement issued by the two countries.
Turkish President Erdogan’s Visit
Turkish President Erdogan is set to visit Iraq in April, with Turkey expressing its determination to eliminate the PKK’s presence in Iraq by the summer.
This resolve has been evident in Turkey’s increased airstrikes against PKK targets in Syria and Iraq, following PKK attacks on Turkish military bases.
Similar Approach by Iraqi Authorities
Iraqi authorities are reportedly considering a similar approach towards the PKK as they did with Iranian Kurdish dissident groups.
Last summer, Iraq and Iran agreed to disarm Iranian dissident groups, indicating a potential shift in Iraq’s stance towards the PKK. The meeting between the Turkish and Iraqi foreign ministers underscores the ongoing efforts to address the security challenges posed by the PKK in the region.
The upcoming visit of President Erdogan to Iraq and the continued military actions against the PKK highlight the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.
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| independent.co.uk |
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| – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Baghdad – Talks focused on counter-terrorism, security, and military cooperation – Turkey seeks greater cooperation from Iraq in fighting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – PKK is not designated a terrorist organization in Iraq but is banned from launching operations against Turkey from Iraqi territory – PKK has a foothold in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region – Joint statement issued by Turkey and Iraq stressed PKK as a security threat to both countries – Turkish President Erdogan expected to visit Iraq in April – Turkey determined to end PKK’s presence in Iraq this summer – Turkey often launches strikes against PKK targets in Syria and Iraq – Strikes have escalated after PKK attacks on Turkish military bases – Iraqi authorities considering a similar approach to PKK as they did with Iranian Kurdish dissident groups – Iran and Iraq reached an agreement to disarm Iranian dissident groups last summer |
