Türkiye key partner in regional stability efforts: Iraq’s Foreign Minister
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan (C-R) and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein (C-L) attend the 5th meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High Level Security Mechanism as part of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Türkiye, on April 13, 2025. (AA Photo)
Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasized Türkiye’s vital role in ensuring regional stability, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism and border management.
His comments came during a meeting with international media representatives on the sidelines of the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Türkiye’s role in regional stability
Hussein expressed that bilateral relations between Iraq and Türkiye have been improving across security and economic fields.
He remarked, “Türkiye is an important partner in efforts to ensure regional stability,” noting that both nations are strengthening cooperation to address shared challenges such as counterterrorism and border management.
“We are working to strengthen cooperation to tackle common challenges such as counterterrorism and border management. Ankara is an important partner in efforts to ensure regional stability,” Hussein said, emphasizing the significance of these areas of cooperation.
Syria’s stability and external interference
Hussein also addressed the ongoing Syrian crisis, emphasizing that Syria‘s stability is crucial for the overall stability of the region.
He discussed the detrimental effects of external interventions, particularly Israel’s persistent attacks on Syrian territory, which he believes are complicating the situation and escalating tensions.
“Syria’s stability is a critical factor for the overall stability of the region,” Hussein said. “External interventions, especially Israel’s continuous attacks on Syrian territory, have complicated the situation and increased tensions,” he added.
He also condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, referring to them as “a clear violation of international law,” reiterating Iraq’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people.
Iran-US negotiations
Turning to international diplomacy, Hussein welcomed the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States.
He expressed hope that these talks would result in a preliminary agreement that would help de-escalate the threat of war.
“Both sides have shown willingness to continue negotiations, and this is a positive step,” he added, reflecting on the positive momentum of the talks.
Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism
During the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commented on the success of the fifth Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism meeting.
Fidan described the meeting as “intense and positive” and emphasized the comprehensive discussion of strategic issues between the two countries.
“This security mechanism is evolving into an increasingly institutionalized platform, reflecting the professionalism of both countries,” Fidan stated.
He further noted the importance of this platform in enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges.
PKK and terrorism issues
Fidan also discussed the ongoing issue with the PKK terrorist group, confirming that Iraq has recognized the organization as a banned group, and it is being treated as a terrorist organization.
“Currently, Iraq is treating the PKK as a terrorist group, and the distinction between a banned or terrorist group is irrelevant. What matters is the stance taken,” Fidan remarked, highlighting the stance taken by both countries regarding the PKK.
Fidan explained that both Türkiye and Iraq are awaiting progress on the dissolution of the PKK. “Everyone’s wish is twofold: that the call from Türkiye, made from Imrali, is accepted by the organization, that necessary actions are taken, and a dissolution decision is made, leading the organization to disband.”
Concerns over Sinjar
In addition to the PKK issue, Fidan raised concerns about the Sinjar region.
“Türkiye’s concerns over Sinjar were raised during the meeting, and Iraq also shared its concerns. Developments regarding these issues will be observed soon,” he said, adding that both countries have discussed these concerns in the security meeting and are looking forward to developments in the region.
