Iraq and Turkey to deal with threats nearby joint border-crossing

INA – Baghdad

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar agreed on the importance of addressing terrorist threats near the joint border-crossing areas.

Al-Kadhimi met Akar and his accompanying delegation where they discussed issues of common interests, and strengthening military cooperation between Iraq and Turkey within the framework of cooperation as well as, consolidating the principle of respecting the sovereignty of Iraq over all its territories, according to a statement by the media office of the Prime Minister received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The two sides agreed on the importance of dealing with terrorist threats near the joint border-crossing areas, and that stability would open the doors for more cooperation between the two countries in a way that supports the prosperity and progress of the two friendly peoples.

Al-Kadhimi pointed to "the necessity of activating the previously approved agreements between the two countries during his recent visit to Ankara, as well as the importance of the Turkish commitment to implement the investment pledges that resulted from Kuwait Conference to support Iraq in 2018"

"Iraq rejects any threat or terrorist activity targeting neighboring Turkey, starting from Iraqi territory, and indicated that Iraq's ability to deal with such threats is being strengthened by the ongoing imposition of Iraqi security forces in every point of Iraqi territory," he stressed.

Al-Kadhimi explained the importance of military cooperation between the two countries, and that the Iraqi army, which celebrated its anniversary a few days ago, is continuing to strengthen its capabilities, and with the help of friends in Turkey and in NATO.

Turkish Minister conveyed the greetings of his country's government and its wishes to the Iraqi government for success in its missions, and expressed the Turkish army's readiness to provide support and advice in the areas of combating terrorism, training and joint exercises.