MOFA: Iraq and Turkey pick up their Security Mechanism discussions

INA-  Baghdad


"Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Hakan Fidan in Baghdad on March 14, 2024," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

"Along with the Minister of Defense, the National Security Adviser, the head of the Popular Mobilization forces , the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region, the Undersecretary of the Intelligence Service from the Iraqi side, the Minister of Defense, the Head of the Intelligence Service and the Deputy Minister of Interior from the Turkish side."

"The purpose of these talks is to further discuss the common position that the two countries will adopt in response to regional developments and various challenges in the bilateral fields," the ministry said. "We also discussed the ongoing preparations for President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan's upcoming visit to Baghdad following the blessed month of Ramadan, and the work that requires it and with the utmost capabilities to prepare for this historic visit and its success, which is hoped to be a qualitative leap between both countries' relations."

In order to establish regular communication mechanisms and create a structural framework for various aspects of relations between the two countries, the ministry stated that "during the meetings, it was decided to intensify work to adopt a memorandum of understanding." Through the draft memorandum of understanding, the two parties also decided to create a strategic framework for their relationship in which the governments of their respective nations will cooperate, meet on a regular basis, and take a goal-oriented stance."

"In this context, joint permanent committees were decided to be established, with the sole focus being on counterterrorism, trade, agriculture, energy, water, health, and transportation. The meetings highlighted the significance of Iraq's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," the ministry stated.  


Both parties emphasized that "the PKK organization represents a security threat to both Turkey and Iraq, and it is certain that the presence of this organization on Iraqi territory represents a violation of the Iraqi constitution," as stated in the statement. Turkey also welcomed the Iraqi National Security Council's decision to declare the PKK an organization that is prohibited in Iraq. The parties also conferred on the steps that should be taken to combat the organization and its prohibited extensions, which target Turkey by using Iraqi territory.


According to the statement, "the two sides agreed to continue meetings and contacts on these issues within the relevant frameworks between the two countries." They also "touched on the serious challenges that the region is going through, especially the war and genocide in Gaza," and they "discussed ways to support the Palestinian cause."