Türkiye and Iraq once again underlined the importance they attach to each other’s political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, reports Anadolu Agency.
The joint statement was issued at the conclusion of Sunday’s 5th meeting of the countries’ High-Level Security Mechanism held in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya.
The parties reaffirmed their determination to enhance coordination and cooperation in all bilateral areas, including military affairs, border security, counterterrorism, the defence industry, energy, water, and the ongoing Development Road Project, which seeks to connect Asia with Europe through a network of railways, roads, ports, and cities.
They highlighted their shared will to advance bilateral relations within an institutional and sustainable framework through mutual visits, said the statement.
The statement also highlighted the importance of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s planned May 8 visit to Türkiye for the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
In light of the common threat posed by the terrorist group PKK to both countries, the parties underscored the importance of implementing the recent call by PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for the group to dissolve and lay down its arms.
In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people.