Joint Statement on the Security Mechanism Meeting Between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Turkey in Baghdad on March 14, 2024

1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Hakan Fidan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mr. Fuad Hussein, met in Baghdad on March 14, 2024, accompanied by the Minister of National Defense, the Head of National Intelligence Agency, and the Deputy Interior Minister from the Turkish side, and the Minister of Defense, the National Security Advisor, the Head of the Popular Mobilization Commission, the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region, and the Deputy Head of the National Intelligence Service from the Iraqi side.

These talks are a continuation of the talks held by both countries in Ankara, on December 19, 2023, where the two sides discussed their mutual Stance that will be adopted in facing regional developments and various bilateral challenges.

The two sides also discussed the ongoing preparations for the upcoming visit of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, to Baghdad after the holy month of Ramadan, and the work requirements with maximum potentials to prepare for this historic visit and make it successful, which is hoped to be a qualitative shift in the relations between the two friendly neighboring countries.

2. It was decided during the meetings to intensify work to adopt a memorandum of understanding, in order to form the structural framework in various aspects of the relations between the two countries, and hence establishing regular liaison mechanisms.

3. The two sides agreed, through a memorandum of understanding which will they draft, to establish a strategic framework for relations, whereby the authorities of the two countries will work in a coordinated manner, on regular intervals, and with an approach directed towards the intended results.

4. Within this context, it was decided to establish joint permanent committees that work exclusively in the fields of counter-terrorism, trade, agriculture, energy, water, health, and transportation.

5. During the meetings, the importance attached to Iraq’s political unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity was emphasized.

The two sides also stressed that the PKK organization represents a security threat to both Turkey and Iraq, and it is certain that the presence of this organization on the Iraqi territory represents a violation of the Iraqi constitution.

Turkey welcomed the Iraqi National Security Council’s decision to consider the PKK a banned organization in Iraq, the two sides consulted on the measures to be taken against the organization and its banned extensions that target Turkey through Iraq’s territory.

6. The two sides also touched on the serious challenges across the region, especially the war and genocide in Gaza, and means to support the Palestinian cause were discussed.

7. At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue meetings and contacts on these issues within relevant frameworks between the two countries.