Erdoğan in Baghdad to focus on cooperation against terrorism

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan landed Monday at Baghdad's international airport, local media reported, at the start of his first state visit to the neighboring country in 13 years.

Erdoğan is accompanied by Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, his chief advisor Akif Cağatay Kılıç, and other ministers.

Erdoğan met with Iraqi President Abdel Latif Rashid in Baghdad. He told Rashid that Türkiye "had expectations of Iraq regarding the fight against the terrorist organization PKK and that Iraq must be rid of all forms of terrorism,"  according to a statement from Türkiye's Communications Directorate on X.

The directorate stated that the pair discussed relations between Türkiye and Iraq, as well as Israel's assaults on Gaza and various regional and global matters.

Erdoğan highlighted the significance of resolving relations between Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), a semi-autonomous self-governing body that rules the northern regions of Iraq where the PKK terrorist group has a presence.

He also stated that it is important for the stability of Iraq that Turkmen residents of the region are given the "position they deserve."

Erdoğan emphasized the ongoing efforts to halt Israel's atrocities in Gaza and stressed the importance of collective action among Muslim nations. 

The visit underscores a pivotal moment in the relationship between the neighbors, with a focus on bolstering cooperation in combating terrorism and fostering multifaceted ties.

Erdoğan's itinerary includes pivotal meetings in both the capital, Baghdad, and Erbil. At the forefront of the discussions lies the imperative of...