Turkish FM stresses importance of halting PKK terror group’s activity

(MENAFN) The Turkish foreign minister stated Sunday that ending the activities of the PKK terror group not only in Türkiye but also in Iraq, Syria, and Iran is essential for ensuring regional security and stability, as well as preventing foreign interference.

“The PKK terror organization’s decision to dissolve itself is undoubtedly a positive development. Ending its armed activities in Türkiye is extremely important for us, but our wish—and our expectation—is that the organization also ends its armed struggle and terrorist activities in Iraq, withdraws from the areas it occupies, and likewise withdraws from the areas it occupies in Syria,” Hakan Fidan said during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein while on an official visit to Iraq.

Fidan explained that the terror group continues to control significant territories in Iraq and expressed appreciation for the close coordination between Ankara and Baghdad in addressing this issue. He added that authorities in both Baghdad and Erbil maintain active cooperation with Türkiye to counter the PKK presence.

Describing the “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative as a promising step for both Türkiye and its neighbors, Fidan highlighted the “intensive” collaboration between the two countries. “Our institutions collaborate intensively on all matters, address issues professionally, and work in a solution-oriented manner,” he said.

Recalling the multiple agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Iraq in 2024, Fidan underscored the importance of following through on these commitments.

“Through the joint working committees we established, we have intensive work in many areas, including security, energy, water, trade, customs, and transportation,” he noted.

The minister emphasized that the region’s future should be defined by peace and cooperation rather than division or rivalry. “Not fragmentation, division, competing with each other, or sabotaging one another. There is no reason or obstacle preventing us from doing in this region what the rest of the civilized world does,” he said. He added that with its rich resources, geography, and cultural heritage, the region could become a center of prosperity if the right strategies are adopted.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s strong support for Iraq’s peace and development, Fidan said, “Today, we see an Iraq that takes more confident steps in stability, peace, and tranquility.” He stressed that Ankara remains committed to contributing to Iraq’s progress.

“Together, Iraq and Türkiye, along with other regional countries, are working on what we can do in Syria. As regional countries, we need to maximize cooperation, strengthen trust between us, take the steps we have delayed on the path to development, and continue our way in the region in peace and tranquility,” he said.

Fidan asserted that the nations of the Middle East must rely on their own capacity to address regional issues. “They will not wait for an external savior. Our strength, capacity, and vision are sufficient for this. If we do this, we will impose less burden on the rest of the world and even generate added value ourselves,” he emphasized.

Highlighting ongoing talks over a new water agreement between Türkiye and Iraq, Fidan described the initiative as “extremely important.” He said the two countries have been exploring ways to improve water use efficiency and rehabilitate Iraq’s water infrastructure.

“During a visit about two and a half years ago, (Iraqi) Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and I reached an understanding. We would follow a two-step approach: first, how to find better methods for the use of water between Türkiye and Iraq; second, how to work together to rehabilitate Iraq’s water infrastructure and irrigation systems. Over the past two and a half years, very intensive work has been carried out on both fronts,” Fidan explained.

He noted that the upcoming signing of the agreement will pave the way for Iraq’s largest-ever infrastructure investment, aiming to permanently address chronic water challenges. “Once implemented, we will have taken a significant step toward solving a major part of the water issue, and future generations will not face the problems experienced by previous generations,” he said.

Fidan also pointed to ongoing collaboration in energy, noting the resumption of oil pipeline operations between the two nations as a key milestone. He said discussions continue on gas and electricity projects, with ministries and foreign offices coordinating efforts to move them forward.

Turning to Iraq’s parliamentary elections set for November 11, Fidan said the vote “will demonstrate the maturity” of the country’s democracy. He expressed hope that Iraqis would cast their ballots peacefully and conveyed Türkiye’s respect for the outcome.

Fidan said he would also meet with Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and other senior officials to discuss both strategic and practical aspects of Türkiye-Iraq relations.

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