Erdoğan vows to prevent 'revival of terror threat'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged not to allow terrorism to become a major threat for Türkiye again.

"We will not allow the terror threat that we broke its back to be revived again," Erdoğan said during an event in the eastern city of Bitlis on Aug. 25.

He was specifically referencing the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States and the European Union.

"As the dark shadow of terrorism recedes from our eastern provinces, the potential of our cities is emerging. Our provinces in the region have gained a different momentum," Erdoğan said.

"Concern has been replaced by trust, fear has been replaced by peace. As the atmosphere of peace in the region strengthens, investments are progressing faster."

In a move to bolster security cooperation, Türkiye is enhancing its partnership with Iraq.

Earlier this month, the two nations signed an agreement to establish joint military centers in Baghdad and Bashiqa, near Mosul, aimed at improving coordination against the PKK.

The deal also outlines cooperation in military and law enforcement training, intelligence sharing and border security.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fouad Hussein, described the deal as "historic" during a press conference following the fourth high-level security meeting in Ankara.

"We wish to advance the unity of understanding we are developing with Iraq in the fight against terrorism with concrete steps on the field," Fidan told reporters.

As part of the new deal, Türkiye will waive visa requirements for Iraqi nationals under 15 and those over 50 starting this September.

Erdoğan's visit to Bitlis also included a cabinet meeting later in the day in the...