‘PKK Poses a Significant Threat to Peace and Stability’ Turkish FM
Fidan continued by stressing that the PKK issue ought to be addressed as a challenge that “requires a collaborative effort.”

Jan. 26, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, reiterated on Sunday that confronting “ISIS and the PKK is crucial” for both Turkey and Iraq, “as these [two groups] are our primary areas of focus.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister also stated that “PKK poses a significant threat to peace and stability,” highlighting the PKK attack that targeted Iraqi border guards a few days ago.
“Just a few days ago, two border guards lost their lives in a PKK attack, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families,” he told a press conference in Baghdad.
Read More: ‘Two Border Guards Martyred, One Injured in PKK Attack Near Zakho’ Iraqi Interior Ministry
Fidan continued by stressing that the PKK issue ought to be addressed as a challenge that “requires a collaborative effort.”
“We need to adopt a unified stance and confront it together,” he reiterated.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also noted that the PKK is a proscribed organization in Iraq, “a fact we emphasized during our discussions with the Iraqi Foreign Minister,” he underlined.
Additionally, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening collective actions between the two countries to address this shared concern.
Turkey-Iraq Trade and “Development Road Project”
The Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated the strategic importance of Turkey-Iraq relations.
Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, underlined their shared commitment to improving bilateral cooperation in security, commerce, and regional stability.
Hakan Fidan highlighted the deep-seated and strategic nature of Turkey’s relationship with Iraq, stating, "The more security and stability Iraq has, the more peace will be reflected in Turkey."
He emphasized Turkey’s proactive approach to promoting economic ties, citing the $20 billion trade volume between the two countries and continued efforts to carry out the ambitious Development Road project.
Fidan also noted Turkey’s willingness to contribute to Iraq’s development initiatives, referencing 27 agreements previously signed between the two countries.
Read More: Iraqi Premier, Turkish President discuss strengthening bilateral ties
These agreements include collaborations on border security, economic expansion, and infrastructure projects, underscoring Ankara’s commitment to regional prosperity.
Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s Foreign Minister, reiterated these sentiments, portraying the relationship between the two countries as both “historical and strategic.”
He expressed optimism about future collaboration, especially in the realms of commerce and politics. Hussein also revealed plans for sustained dialogue, including future meetings with Turkish officials to discuss urgent regional challenges and counter-terrorism efforts.
Regional Dynamics
The discussions also included regional issues, in particular the complex situation in Syria.
Fidan underscored the significance of robust ties between Iraq and Syria’s new administration, adding that Turkey would back measures to ensure Iraq’s stability.
"We hope relations between Damascus and Baghdad will be good, and we will do whatever we can regarding this matter," Fidan stated.
Iraqi Foreign Minister, in turn, raised concerns about ISIS’s remaining presence along the Iraq-Syria border. Both sides acknowledged the necessity for cooperative measures to discuss this threat and ensure regional security.
High-Level Meetings
As part of his visit, Fidan is scheduled to meet with Iraq’s President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani.
These discussions are expected to focus on solidifying agreements reached during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad in April 2024.
Read More: Turkish President to meet Iraqi PM in Baghdad, key agreements expected
Erdogan’s visit laid the groundwork for closer bilateral ties, emphasizing areas such as economic collaboration, border security, and counter-terrorism. The current visit aims to reinforce these commitments and address new developments in the region.
Future Outlook
The talks between the two nations signal a continued mutual interest in strengthening ties amidst a turbulent regional landscape. Both ministers underscored the necessity of dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and fostering stability in the Middle East.
As Turkey and Iraq navigate these complex issues, their renewed focus on strategic partnerships reflects a commitment to securing peace and prosperity for their nations and the broader region.