Baghdad, 22 April 2024 (GNP): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid during an official trip to Baghdad.
“President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Baghdad for an official visit, met with President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq,” said the statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate.
During the meeting several topics were discussed including the bilateral relationship between the two countries, crisis in Gaza, regional and global concerns, and collaborative counterterrorism efforts.
Erdogan conveyed Turkey’s expectations from Iraq in the fight against the PKK terrorist organization, stressing the importance of Iraq’s efforts to eradicate all forms of terrorism within its borders.
Additionally, Erdogan highlighted the significance of rebuilding relations between Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq, along with ensuring that Turkmen people are appropriately represented to contribute to Iraq’s stability.
The Turkish president underscored the ongoing efforts to halt Israeli oppression in Gaza and emphasized the crucial role of Muslim nations acting in unity throughout this process.
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During the visit Erdogan is accompanied by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, his chief advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, and other ministers.
President Erdogan, making his first visit to Iraq in 12 years, is also anticipated to address bilateral and regional matters during his discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani.