Iraq Voices Support for Turkey's Peace Process with PKK during Security Talks in Ankara
The two delegations exchanged views on strengthening joint mechanisms to address shared security challenges, including counterterrorism coordination and managing regional threats.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein on Sunday led a high-level Iraqi delegation to the Turkish capital, where he met with his counterpart, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for comprehensive discussions on mutual security cooperation and regional stability.
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Embassy in Ankara, the two delegations exchanged views on strengthening joint mechanisms to address shared security challenges, including counterterrorism coordination and managing regional threats. The meeting was held in conjunction with the diplomatic momentum surrounding the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
The Iraqi delegation included several top-level officials: Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG); Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Advisor; Thabet al-Abbasi, Minister of Defense; and Falih al-Fayyadh, head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), along with other senior representatives.
In a statement released by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Hussein expressed Baghdad’s full support for Ankara’s renewed peace overtures with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), particularly in light of the recent message from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. The minister reiterated Iraq’s endorsement of political reconciliation efforts that can defuse long-standing conflicts through dialogue rather than violence.
The two sides also addressed the evolving diplomatic track between the United States and Iran, particularly after recent indirect talks in Muscat. Minister Hussein emphasized that such dialogue represents a vital opportunity to avert a broader regional confrontation and mitigate escalating tensions.
The Iraqi and Turkish delegations issued a joint communique affirming their shared view that addressing the situation in Syria, especially in the overcrowded al-Hol and Roj camps, requires urgent action. The sides discussed forming a joint committee to explore solutions for displaced persons and potential repatriation and rehabilitation mechanisms.
The statement also expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria. Both governments condemned what they described as Israel’s "aggressive acts and violations" and warned that continued escalation could destabilize the region further.
