Joint declaration from Turkey and Iraq: The 9 points agreed upon have been revealed!

The 5th meeting of the High-Level Security Mechanism between Turkey and Iraq took place in Antalya with the participation of prominent political and security representatives from both countries. The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Chief İbrahim Kalın, and Deputy Minister of Interior Münir Karaloğlu from Turkey; and a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein from Iraq.

JOINT RESPONSE TO PKK AND ÖCALAN'S MESSAGE

In the 9-point joint statement released after the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to each other's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. While a message of determination was given regarding the fight against terrorism, it was emphasized that the PKK poses a common threat to both countries.

Another notable point in the statement was the emphasis on the importance of implementing the past call made by terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan for the organization to be dissolved and to lay down its arms. The parties stated that the realization of this call is of vital importance for regional security.

JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER AND COMMITTEE PLAN

It was noted that Turkey and Iraq have shown determination to establish a joint Operations Center to deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism. This center will play a critical role in effectively combating security problems, particularly in Syria.

Furthermore, the statement indicated that due to the urgency of the situation in camps such as Al-Hol and Roj in Syria, a joint committee should be established to address this issue. This committee aims to reduce security risks in the camps.

DEVELOPMENT ROAD PROJECT AND STRATEGIC VISIT

The meeting addressed not only security but also economic and infrastructure topics. The parties agreed that coordination must be increased, particularly for the implementation of the Development Road Project. The statement emphasized that the two countries will continue their cooperation in critical areas such as the defense industry, energy, and water management.

To advance bilateral relations at an institutional level, the importance of the visit expected to be made by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Turkey on May 8 was recalled. It was stated that the visit would take place within the scope of the 4th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

"1- The Fifth Meeting of the Turkey-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism was held in Antalya on April 13, 2025, with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defense, Chief of the National Intelligence Organization, and Deputy Minister of Interior from the Republic of Turkey; and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee, Minister of Interior of the KRG, and the Head of the National Intelligence Service from Iraq.

2- The Parties reiterated the importance they attach to each other's political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

3- The Parties reaffirmed their determination to increase coordination and cooperation in all bilateral areas, including military, border security, counter-terrorism, defense industry, energy, water, and the Development Road Project.

4- The Parties emphasized their shared will to advance their bilateral relations within an institutional and sustainable framework through mutual visits. In this context, the importance of the planned visit by Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Turkey on May 8, 2025, for the purpose of conducting the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was highlighted.

5- In light of the common threat that the PKK poses to both countries, the importance of implementing Öcalan's call for the PKK to be dissolved and to lay down its arms was underlined.

In this context, the Parties emphasized their shared will to resolutely maintain the existing coordination and cooperation in the face of this common threat.

6- Due to the urgency of finding a solution to the Al-Hol, Roj, and other camps in Syria, the Parties confirmed the necessity of establishing a joint committee to address the issue.

7- Regarding the fight against terrorism, in the context of the “Quintet Mechanism” initiated by Syria and its neighbors in Amman on March 9, 2025, the Parties underscored their determination to establish a Joint Operations Center.

8- The Parties expressed their deep concern over the grave violations committed by Israel against the people of the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, as well as Syrian territory.

9- The positive outcomes of the meeting held by the US and Iranian delegations in Muscat on April 12, 2025, were welcomed by the Parties. It is believed that the continuation of this dialogue will enable a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Respectfully announced to the public."