Al-Mashhadani to Turkish FM: Iraq rejects any interference in its territories

INA - BAGHDAD

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani confirmed to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, on Monday Iraq's rejection of any interference in its territories, and the necessity of respecting Iraq's sovereignty, national security and independence.

"Al-Mashhadani met Fidan and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in a way that contributes to developing cooperation mechanisms in various fields," said the media office of the Speaker of Parliament in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The statement added that "the Speaker of Parliament pointed out the importance of the two countries' commitment to all joint agreements, and regional and international developments and their impact on the region were discussed, as well as the importance of supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions, stopping escalation, and adopting constructive dialogue in addressing outstanding issues between the countries of the region in a way that achieves international peace and security was emphasized."

Al-Mashhadani stressed that "Iraq looks forward to establishing advanced relations with Turkey based on mutual respect, pointing to the need to implement the memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries to serve the mutual interests of the Iraqi and Turkish peoples," stressing "Iraq's rejection of any interference that affects its lands, and the need to respect Iraq's sovereignty, national security and independence."

"There is a need to continue joint work and regional cooperation to confront any danger, in a way that achieves security and stability at the regional and international levels," he highlighted. 

Regarding the developments in Syria, Al-Mashhadani expressed "his hope that "the new administration in Syria will work to protect ethnic and religious diversity and achieve peace and prosperity for all components of the Syrian people, and ensure their protection and preserve their rights to political participation in a way that enhances societal peace and achieves development and prosperity for our brothers in Syria."

The statement pointed out that "the Turkish Foreign Minister affirmed his country's government's support for Iraq's stability and the preservation of its security and independence," referring to "the relations that link the two countries, and Turkey's keenness to support opportunities for cooperation and partnership in the economic, commercial, investment, water and environmental fields.

He expressed his hope "to advance the level of economic relations to broader horizons."