Iraq, Turkey sign key memoranda on military, security, and counter-terrorism cooperation
During a joint press conference following the meeting, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that the Bashiqa Military Base would transition into a training facility for Iraqi forces.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant development, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Muhammad al-Abasi and Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler have signed memoranda of understanding in Ankara focusing on military, security, and counter-terrorism issues.
The signing ceremony followed the fourth meeting of the High Security Mechanism between Iraq and Turkey, held on Thursday.
The Iraqi delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and accompanied by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Interior Minister Rebar Ahmad, Iraqi Defense Minister, and Hashd al-Shaabi chief, engaged in high-level talks with Turkey's senior officials, including its foreign and defense ministers.
During a joint press conference following the meeting, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that the Bashiqa Military Base would transition into a training facility for Iraqi forces.
This move signifies a shift in the role of the base, aiming to bolster Iraq’s military capabilities.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed satisfaction with the agreements, stating, "We are pleased that awareness of the PKK has increased in Iraq. Declaring the PKK as a common threat and then designating it as a banned organization is very valuable. We discussed military and security relations and would like to announce a historic step we have been working on for some time. A memorandum of understanding in the fields of military, security, and counter-terrorism has been signed by our defense ministers. Our relations will continue without interruption.”
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein echoed these sentiments on the social platform X, writing, "This memorandum advances our bilateral relations and reaffirms our common commitment to peace and stability in the region in a way that achieves common interests."
In the joint press conference, Hussein emphasized the thorough preparation involved in drafting the memorandum, mentioning that several committees were established to address various fields, including drug trafficking—a key threat identified during the discussions.
He also announced that from the start of September, new visa procedures would be implemented for Iraqi citizens.
Hussein reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to its constitution, emphasizing that any actions on Iraqi territory against neighboring countries violate constitutional principles.
"Iraqi sovereignty must be protected," he stated, highlighting the mutual threat posed by certain organizations to both Iraq and Turkey.
He further noted that these organizations are jeopardizing Iraq’s political and democratic stability.
On the matter of the Bashiqa military base, Hussein highlighted that a key point in the discussions was its transformation into a training base for Iraqi forces.
He also addressed the issue of the PKK's presence, emphasizing the risks it poses to both the Kurdistan Region and other parts of Iraq.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister concluded by noting that Iraq has undertaken legal, political, and administrative measures to officially recognize the PKK and its representatives in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as banned entities.