Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Holds a Press Conference with his Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq Mr. Fuad Hussein held a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in the Turkey, Ankara on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

During the conference, Mr. Hussein noted the importance of finalizing the twenty seven Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the two countries, which resulted from the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iraq. The Minister stressed that activating these MoUs requires continuous follow-up from both parties.

Minister Hussein expressed his happiness with the progress made in the joint work between the Iraqi and Turkish teams, noting that the work yesterday reached a high level of coordination, as the specialized committees were prepared and divided according to the different sectors. He added that the relations between Iraq and Turkey are of a historical and geographical nature, and include multiple fields.

Minister Fuad Hussein indicated that the joint committees relate to the fields of water, security, energy, transportation, youth and sports, education, trade, and economy. He stressed that the work of these committees is necessary to expand and deepen bilateral relations between the two countries, and the committees will begin their work immediately after studying the MOUs and turn them into a practical reality.

In his discussion with the Turkish Foreign Minister, several issues were addressed, most notably how to combat crime, especially cross-border crime. The Minister underlined that the two countries are exposed to attacks by organized crime organizations, including smuggling and human trafficking, stressing the need for cooperation to confront this dangerous phenomenon.

He also touched on the drug phenomenon stressing that it is new to Iraqi society and can only be addressed through joint cooperation between the countries of the region, including Iraq and Turkey.

The Minister expressed his happiness with starting granting the joint entry visas next September, noting that this step will contribute to activating economic activities between the two countries.

Regarding the memorandum of understanding on military and security cooperation, which was signed by the defense ministers of the two countries, Mr. Hussein indicated that this agreement is the first of its kind between Iraq and Turkey, stressing  Iraq’s commitment to its constitution, noting that any action on Iraqi territory against any other country is considered a violation of the constitution, indicating that terrorist organizations pose a threat to Iraqi society.

Regarding the Bashiqa camp Minister Hussein stated that an understanding had been reached to transform it into a training camp, and that the full responsibility would fall on the Iraqi armed forces. He also addressed the issue of the presence of PKK members in Qandil, Makhmour, and Sinjar, stressing the danger of this presence to the democratic process and Iraqi society.

The Minister mentioned that the Ministerial Council for National Security decided to place the PKK on the list of banned parties, and the Iraqi Judicial Electoral Commission decided to dissolve three political parties for their association with the PKK. The government took political and governmental decisions regarding this issue, stressing that the activities of these organizations are unacceptable within Iraq.

The Minister expressed the Iraqi government’s deep concern about the tension in the region, especially the war on Gaza, the destruction it is witnessing, and the killing of innocent people. He stressed that the Iraqi government is looking forward to a ceasefire, but the reality indicates the  continuation of the war. He explained that the stances of Iraq and Turkey on this issue and other issues are convergent.

At the end of his remarks Minister Hussein stressed that tension in the region is still ongoing, especially after the assassination of leader Haniyeh in Tehran. He stressed that Iraq, which has experienced the bitterness of wars for decades, seeks to keep the region away from armed conflicts, stressing its rejection of any military intervention. He added that Iraq is working with the international community to stop Israel from its aggression, and to avoid further escalation in the region.

He also touched on the drug phenomenon stressing that it is new to Iraqi society and can only be addressed through joint cooperation between the countries of the region, including Iraq and Turkeregion.