Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad last Sunday, focusing on the need for a joint fight against terrorism. Fidan demanded Iraq to officially declare the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) as a terrorist organization, reaffirming that both countries should cooperate to eliminate the threats posed by the PKK and Daesh, which are the biggest obstacle to the security and stability of the region. The visit was highlighted by bilateral talks that can create a strong counter-terrorism effect. At a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Fidan made it clear how important it is to use all available means to deal with the two groups.
“Our region cannot afford to tolerate the presence of terrorist elements that destabilize our nations and harm our people. Türkiye and Iraq must collaborate fully to eradicate these threats,” Fidan stated.
Later in the day, Fidan met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to further discuss strategies for enhancing security coordination. Trip of Turkish Foreign Minister was on the same day that Turkish Armed Forces said they neutralized 13 PKK militants in northern Iraq. This operation is one of the military operations that Türkiye is conducting at the time alongside the PKK strongholds in northern Iraq, mountains of which the group has used as bases for years.
For years, Ankara has labeled the PKK a terrorist group that has perpetrated violence leading to thousands dead. The group, which is part of the YPG (People’s Protection Units) in neighboring Syria, has been to date a key Turkish security issue.
During the press conference, Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s firm stance on the PKK and its Syrian offshoot. He called on Iraq to designate the PKK as a terrorist entity, noting that such recognition would pave the way for more effective joint operations. “Recognizing the PKK as a terrorist organization is not only a matter of principle but a practical step toward ensuring the safety of our citizens on both sides of the border,” Fidan said.
The Syrian conflict has further complicated regional security dynamics. The YPG, whose affiliates have taken over sections of northeastern Syria, has tried to legitimize its role under a cover of Daesh fighting but is seen by Ankara as an offshoot of the PKK and a terrorist group that engages in terrorism. Fidan previously warned Ankara could make a new cross-border attack on the group if it fails to disband, particularly with Bashar Assad’s fall in December.
The trip is a move to forge ties with key neighbor and ally in terrorism fighting, Iraq, whose borders with Ankara have concerns over Daesh, whose terrorism continues despite defeat in terms of holding any territorial stronghold, and over the PKK, whose territorial presence in highland border regions allows it to launch its operations.
Fuad Hussein, Iraqi minister of foreign affairs, confirmed cooperation with Ankara is paramount, citing that Iraq is determined to address security affairs. “We comprehend that these shared fears have to be addressed through coordination and dialogue. Cooperation and dialogue between our countries will secure peace and security for our region,” Hussein added.
The Baghdad talks mark a move towards renewed solidarity at a regional level in terms of fighting terrorism, with both nations dealing with heightened terrorism from groups that threaten their security and sovereignty. By urging a united coalition, Fidan’s trip attests to the importance of coordination fighting long-standing security concerns in the region