Antalya: In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the 5th meeting of the High-Level Security Mechanism held in Antalya, Trkiye and Iraq reiterated their commitment to each other's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting underscored the determination of both nations to enhance coordination and cooperation across a range of bilateral areas. These include military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, the defense industry, energy, water, and the Development Road Project, which aims to connect Asia with Europe via a network of railways, roads, ports, and cities.
The statement emphasized the shared goal of advancing bilateral relations through institutional and sustainable frameworks, facilitated by mutual visits. The importance of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's upcoming visit to Trkiye on May 8 for the next High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting was also noted.
Given the common threat posed by the PKK terrorist group, the parties stressed the importance of implementing PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for the group to dissolve and lay down arms. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths during its 40-year campaign against Trkiye. PKK terrorists often take refuge in northern Iraq to plan attacks on Trkiye.
The joint statement highlighted the necessity of maintaining existing coordination and cooperation against common threats. It also confirmed the need to establish a joint committee to address issues concerning the Al-Hol, Roj, and other camps in Syria.
In the fight against terrorism, both countries committed to setting up a joint operations center as part of the Quint Mechanism launched on March 9 in Amman by Syria and neighboring countries. Additionally, both parties expressed concern over Israel's violations against the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syrian territory. They welcomed the positive outcomes of the US-Iranian delegation meeting in Oman, expressing hope that ongoing dialogue could lead to a peaceful conflict resolution.
The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Deputy Interior Minister Munir Karaloglu, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein along with his delegation.