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The cessation of the PKK terrorist organization’s activities not only in Türkiye but also in Iraq, Syria, and Iran is of “critical importance” for ensuring regional stability, security, and the prevention of foreign interference, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein during an official visit to Baghdad, Fidan welcomed the recent developments concerning the PKK.
“The PKK terror organization’s decision to dissolve itself is undoubtedly a positive development,” he said.
“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.”
Fidan noted that the group currently controls large swaths of territory in Iraq, emphasizing that Türkiye is working in close coordination with Iraqi authorities, and expressed gratitude for their cooperation.
He underlined that both Baghdad and Erbil are maintaining strong collaboration with Ankara on counterterrorism efforts, describing the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process as a positive development not only for Türkiye but for the wider region.
“Our institutions collaborate intensively on all matters, address issues professionally, and work in a solution-oriented manner,” he stated.
Recalling the numerous agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2024 visit to Iraq, Fidan highlighted the importance of following up and implementing these agreements through joint working committees covering sectors such as security, energy, water, trade, customs, and transportation.
“The spirit of the era requires peace, development, mutual integration, and cooperation in the region — not fragmentation, division, competition, or sabotage. There is no reason or obstacle preventing us from doing in this region what the rest of the civilized world does,” he stressed.
Fidan added that the Middle East, endowed with rich resources, strategic geography, and deep-rooted civilizations, has the potential to become a land of prosperity if the right strategies are applied.
“We See an Iraq Taking More Confident Steps Toward Stability and Peace”
Reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering support for Iraq’s peace, security, and development, Fidan said:
“Today, we see an Iraq that takes more confident steps in stability, peace, and tranquility.”
He underlined Ankara’s determination to contribute to Iraq’s progress, noting:
“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 among ourselves, take the steps we have delayed on the path to development, and continue our journey in peace and tranquility.”
The minister emphasized that regional nations must take ownership of their challenges, asserting:
“Countries and peoples of the region will solve the problems in the region on their own. 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.”
Landmark Türkiye–Iraq Water Agreement on the Horizon
Fidan also highlighted the significance of the upcoming water cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Iraq, describing it as “extremely important” for the future of the region.
He recalled an understanding reached with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani around two and a half years ago:
“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.”
Fidan said intensive work had been carried out on both fronts over the past two and a half years, noting that the signing of the agreement would pave the way for the long-term rehabilitation of Iraq’s water systems — a project he described as the largest infrastructure investment in Iraq’s history.
“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 added.
He further noted extensive cooperation in the energy sector, citing the resumption of the oil pipeline between the two countries as a major milestone. Discussions are also advancing on natural gas and electricity projects, with relevant ministries and institutions in close coordination, he said.
Fidan: Iraq’s Upcoming Elections Will Showcase Democratic Maturity
Commenting on the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, Fidan said the vote would “demonstrate the maturity of Iraq’s democracy.”
“God willing, the Iraqi people will reflect their will at the ballot box in peace and tranquility,” he said, wishing success to all participating parties and reaffirming that Ankara respects the will of the Iraqi people.
Fidan added that he would meet later in the day with Iraqi President Abdullatif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and other senior Iraqi officials to discuss a range of strategic and tactical matters aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.