Türkiye, Iraq unite against PKK terror group, urge dissolution after ringleader Ocalan’s call

Türkiye and Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to each other’s political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and continued efforts against PKK terror group in a joint statement issued Sunday at the conclusion of the fifth meeting of their High-Level Security Mechanism, held in the coastal city of Antalya.

The two sides reiterated their determination to deepen coordination and cooperation across multiple sectors, including military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, the defense industry, energy, water resources, and the Development Road Project — a major initiative aimed at linking Asia and Europe through an integrated network of railways, highways, ports, and urban centers.

The joint statement emphasized the countries’ shared intent to institutionalize and sustain bilateral relations through high-level reciprocal visits. It also highlighted the importance of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s upcoming visit to Türkiye on May 8 for the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Commitment against PKK terror group

Addressing the threat posed by the PKK terrorist group, the statement underscored the significance of recent calls by PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan for the group to disband and lay down arms.

The parties reiterated their resolve to sustain joint efforts against the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union. The PKK’s 40-year campaign has claimed more than 40,000 lives in Türkiye, including those of women and children.

The group frequently uses northern Iraq as a base for launching cross-border attacks.

Türkiye, Iraq to establish joint operations center

The statement also confirmed the parties’ commitment to maintaining strong coordination against common threats and called for the establishment of a joint committee to address conditions at the Al-Hol, Roj, and other camps in Syria.

As part of broader counterterrorism efforts, Türkiye and Iraq pledged to establish a joint operations center under the framework of the Quint Mechanism, initiated on March 9 in Amman by Syria and regional partners.

Minister of Foreign Affairs @HakanFidan hosted the fifth meeting of High-Level Security Mechanism between Türkiye and Iraq, in Antalya.

Minister Hakan Fidan met with Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq and his delegation,… pic.twitter.com/D5AjPO0zlR

— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) April 13, 2025

The statement expressed deep concern over Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, while welcoming the positive outcomes of Saturday’s meeting in Oman between U.S. and Iranian officials.

The parties expressed hope that continued dialogue could contribute to a peaceful resolution to the regional conflict.

Attending the Antalya meeting were Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Deputy Interior Minister Munir Karaloglu. Iraq was represented by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his delegation.