Statement

The Foreign Ministry expresses the Republic of Iraq’s welcoming of the announcement made by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) regarding the beginning of the disarmament process, the initial phase of this process commenced near Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This comes as part of the party’s previously announced commitment to abandon armed struggle after more than four decades of conflict.

The Ministry considers this step a significant development that reflects a genuine beginning of the disarmament process, and a real opportunity to support regional stability and advance efforts toward lasting reconciliation. This, in turn, contributes to ending cycles of violence and opens new horizons for understanding and peaceful coexistence.

While affirming Iraq’s full support for this process, the Ministry also underscores that this step paves the way for a new phase of constructive cooperation with the neighboring Republic of Turkey, based on joint efforts to address security challenges in a manner that strengthens the sovereignty and stability of both Iraq and Turkey.

The Ministry hopes that this initiative will help turn a page on political, security, and social tensions, and serve as a starting point for a responsible regional dialogue that addresses the root causes of crises and promotes security and development for the benefit of all the peoples of the region.

Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq

11 July, 2025