Ministry of National Defense sources announce: Turkey and Iraq to make general-level appointments

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) held a press briefing today. Following the meeting, MSB sources answered questions.

Regarding questions about how the memorandum of understanding signed with Iraq will reflect on the ground, ministry sources stated that the agreement text circulating in some media outlets is not authentic and differs from the signed document.

FIGHT AGAINST TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS AND ATTEMPTS TO INFILTRATE THE COMMON BORDER

Stating that the signed "Memorandum of Understanding on Military, Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism" will provide cooperation between the parties in areas such as military and law enforcement training, the fight against terrorist organizations, joint border security, the fight against irregular migration and infiltrations across the common border, the fight against smuggling and organized crime, intelligence information exchange, and military defense, the sources noted the following:

"The Joint Security Coordination Center will be established in Baghdad and will be jointly managed by one commander at the general level to be appointed by Turkey and Iraq, respectively. Not only military personnel but also civilian personnel will serve at the joint center. The number and qualifications of the personnel to be assigned, as well as the working procedures, will be determined as a result of technical discussions.

'ELIMINATING THREATS IS THE MAIN GOAL'

On the other hand, a Joint Training and Cooperation Center will be established at the Bashiqa Base, which is affiliated with the Iraqi army. The center, which will be jointly managed by the parties, will operate in the fields of training, information, and experience sharing. In conclusion, the main goal of the signed memorandum of understanding is to eliminate the threats posed by terrorist organizations or banned groups to the sovereignty, security, and regional security of the two countries."

'THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION ARE BEING CLOSELY MONITORED'

Regarding questions about whether the deployment of troops by the US and the UK to the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus following the tension between Israel and Iran would negatively affect the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, ministry sources stated: "The recent increase in activity on the island of Cyprus and the ongoing activities of the GCAS are being closely monitored, and necessary measures are being taken against any threat that may be directed at the security of the TRNC. No matter who makes what buildup, we are closely following every development. For now, there is no problem or negative situation regarding the security of the TRNC."