Fuad Hussein and Hakan Fidan Chairs a High-level Meeting in Antalya with Iraqi and Turkish Delegations Participation to Enhance Security and Political Cooperation

The fifth high-level meeting of the Iraq-Turkey Security Mechanism was held today 13 April 2025, in Antalya, Turkey, with the participation of both countries delegations. The meeting discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the security, political, and economic areas with a special focus on counter-terrorism and military coordination.

The Iraqi delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, while the Turkish delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Mr. Hakan Fidan. 

As well as the meeting agenda included discussions on the security and military cooperation, the fight against the Da’esh terrorist organization, Israeli interventions in Syria and the aggression on Gaza, in addition to the the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) preparations for disarmament.

In his opening remarks, Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that the convening of this meeting reflects the shared seriousness in addressing regional challenges, pointing to the recent developments in Syria, the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, and the continued war in Gaza. Furthermore, the Minister affirmed the Iraqi government’s support for peaceful solutions, while warning of the risks of regional escalation and added that “talks between Washington and Tehran represent the only way to avoid a comprehensive war.”

Additionally the Minister warned of the escalation of Da’esh activity in Syria and called for confronting it through the “Five-Party Operation Center,” which includes Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

The Minister underlined Iraq’s government support for the Turkish government’s initiative to resolve the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) issue and the message of Abdullah Öcalan.

On his part, Minister Fidan emphasized that the meeting aims to reach joint solutions to security challenges, affirming that Turkey does not seek to destabilize the region, but rather works to strengthen bilateral cooperation and protect the common border.

A joint statement was issued at the end of the meeting. 

On the Iraqi side the  meeting was attended by: Minister of Defense Thabet Al Abbasi, National Security Advisor Qasim Al Araji, Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces Mr. Faleh Al Fayyadh, Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region Mr. Reber Ahmed, and Director of the National Intelligence Service Mr. Hamid Al Shatri.

On the Turkish side, the meeting was attended by: Minister of Defense Mr. Yaşar Güler, Director of the National Intelligence Organization Mr. Ibrahim Kalin, and Deputy Minister of Interior Mr. Münir Karaloğlu. 

This meeting comes within the framework of joint efforts to enhance regional stability and address security challenges, with both sides emphasizing the importance of dialogue and coordination to achieve common strategic goals.