Hakan Fidan in Baghdad: "We Desire Close Relations Between the New Governments of Iraq and Syria"
Hakan Fidan in Baghdad: "We Desire Close Relations Between the New Governments of Iraq and Syria"
During his visit to Baghdad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed Turkey's desire for the establishment of "close relations" between the new governments of Iraq and Syria. Fidan also called for the creation of an alliance to fight ISIS, including Syria and Jordan, to further strengthen the region's security.
Fidan held separate meetings with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Huseyin, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and President Abd al-Latif Rashid.
Speaking at a joint press conference following his meeting with Foreign Minister Hussein, Fidan said they discussed "important issues concerning both countries and the region in detail."
Recalling the 27 agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Iraq in 2024, Fidan underlined the special importance attached to the Development Road Project. He expressed hope for concrete results from the project to be seen as soon as possible.
Fidan: Turkey's Expectations from Iraq on PKK
Regarding security and counterterrorism cooperation, Fidan stated that the understanding reached between Iraq and Turkey on these matters was "extremely valuable." He pointed out that the PKK is a threat to Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, and emphasized that combating terrorism is crucial for the future and prosperity of the region.
Fidan added, "Our ultimate expectation from Iraq is to recognize the PKK, which it has already designated as a banned organization, as a terrorist organization."
Desire for Close Relations Between Iraq and Syria’s New Government
Fidan also noted that the situation in Syria was discussed during the meeting, expressing Turkey's readiness to play its part in fostering closer relations between Iraq and Syria’s new government. He added, "We are ready to do our part to establish close relations between the new government in Syria and Iraq."
Huseyin: Iraq’s Continued Contact with the New Syrian Government
According to AA, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also mentioned regarding the meeting, "We had the opportunity to assess political and energy issues between the two countries, the water issue, trade relations, and the situation of Turkish companies in Iraq."
Iraqi Foreign Minister Huseyin confirmed that Iraq and Syria were in constant contact. He noted, "Iraq and Turkey have reached a consensus on how to position ourselves regarding the situation in Syria. We are in constant communication with the new administration in Damascus and are working to coordinate on various issues. Turkey, too, is in continuous contact with the new administration in Damascus."
."
Huseyin further emphasized that Iraq has been continuously in contact with the new Syrian government and has worked to coordinate various matters.
Fidan Proposes Four-Nation Alliance Against ISIS
During his meeting with Iraqi President Rashid, Fidan proposed the creation of a four-nation alliance to combat ISIS, including Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey.
In a statement issued by the Iraqi Presidency regarding the matter, the following was stated:
"Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed the Turkish government's support for the preservation of Iraq's stability, security, and independence, and emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts in the fight against terrorism. Minister Fidan also called for the establishment of an alliance that includes Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey to fight against the ISIS terrorist organizations, eliminate their focal points, and cut off their funding sources. He stated that this step would ensure the stability of the regional countries."
Sudani: Syria’s "Conflict Zone" Affects Regional Stability
Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani, after meeting with Fidan, discussed the latest developments in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. He stressed the importance of unifying efforts and increasing coordination among countries in the region to support stability.
Sudani reiterated that Iraq rejects Syria being a "conflict zone," noting that such a situation negatively affects the overall stability of the region.