Turkey, Iraq Deepen Strategic Security Ties in Antalya Talks

(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Sunday that the fifth gathering of the Turkey-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism was both comprehensive and productive.

Speaking to the press in the southern city of Antalya during the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan remarked, "It went very positively. We thoroughly discussed the strategic issues between the two friendly countries."

Fidan emphasized that the bilateral security framework is evolving into a more structured and institutionalized platform, underscoring that this development demonstrates the growing expertise and commitment of both nations in managing shared security concerns.

The session was jointly led by Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein. Diplomats noted that the meeting brought together officials from the foreign affairs ministries, defense sectors, and intelligence communities of both countries.

The primary focus of the discussions was anticipated to be on strengthening the established consensus in matters of national security — particularly concerning collaborative efforts to combat the PKK terrorist group — by implementing more tangible and actionable measures.

Topics of conversation were also believed to include an assessment of Iraq’s practical enforcement of its move to classify the PKK as a "banned organization", along with reiterations of Turkey’s firm stance that Iraq should formally label the group a “terrorist organization.”

Additionally, the meeting likely addressed the recent appeal by PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who on February 27 urged for the dismantling of the PKK and affiliated entities, advocating for an end to the group's militant activities in Iraq and the surrounding region.

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