President Erdoğan: Our Iraq policy is based on protecting Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi of Iraq following their talks at the Presidential Complex.

“WE REVIEWED ALL ASPECTS OF OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS”

Congratulating the Iraqi security forces on their success against DAESH, President Erdoğan wished Allah’s mercy on the martyred Iraq, soldiers and a speedy recovery to the wounded.

“We have reviewed all aspects of our bilateral relations and discussed regional developments,” President Erdoğan said. “Our Iraq policy is based on protecting Iraq’s political unity and territorial integrity, ensuring its stability and security. All ethnic and religious groups, which are Iraq’s richness, are friends and brothers of the Turkish people.”

Pointing to the bilateral trade volume goal of $20 billion they had set, President Erdoğan said: “However, we do not see this figure to be sufficient. We will update our goal during the high level strategic council meeting, which will be held in Iraq, and we will set a higher goal.”

Highlighting the importance of removing the obstacles before Turkish and Iraqi businessmen, President Erdoğan said it was affirmed that they prioritized the reconstruction of Iraq, development of the areas most affected by the DAESH occupation, and establishment of a trade corridor that stretches all the way to the south of Iraq.

“We would like to enrichen our relations with all regions of Iraq by reactivating our already-existing consulates general in Iraq and gradually opening new ones,”

“KIRKUK-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE MUST BE REOPENED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”

Underscoring the great potential between Turkey and Iraq in energy, President Erdoğan said: “About electricity, I have told Mr. Prime Minister that we can help Iraq meet its need in the short haul. We have underlined the importance of reopening the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline which has been damaged by DAESH. Our region has been affected by drought last year and floods, caused by heavy rain, this year. We as Turkey offered as much support as we could to Iraq during last year’s drought. Given the climate change and increasing needs, it has become a must for all countries to make the best of the means provided by science and technology.”

Underlining Turkey’s experience with regard to irrigation technologies, waste water management and environmental practices, President Erdoğan said they also discussed during their talks the Action Plan, drafted by the Working Group of 50 members, headed by his special envoy Prof. Veysel Eroğlu, with the aim of sharing Turkey’s experience with Iraq.

“A MILITARY COOPERATION AND TRUST AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAQ WILL BE FELICITOUS”

“During our talks, we have decided on determinedly continuing our fight against DAESH, PKK and FETO terrorist organizations and that a military cooperation and trust agreement between Turkey and Iraq will be felicitous,” President Erdoğan said.

Underscoring that Turkey and Iraq also agree on protecting Syria’s territorial integrity and finding a lasting political solution to the issue, President Erdoğan said: “In this context, we welcome Iraq’s participation in the Astana platform as an observer.”

PM ABD AL-MAHDI OF IRAQ: “WE CAN JOINTLY TAKE STEPS WHICH WILL BENEFIT OUR TWO COUNTRIES AND THE REGION”

Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi of Iraq, on his part, said: “We can join hands and take steps which will benefit our two countries and the region.” “Turkey has always stood with Iraq during its most difficult days and still stands with us. Our Turkish brothers sacrificed their lives. We know that Turkish workers and drivers in Iraq have lost their lives. Also, it can never be forgotten that Turkey welcomed with open arms the Iraqi refugees.”

“We will never accept any security threat against Turkey stemming from the territory of Iraq. We will work together on that. We will continue to act in accordance with the shared interests of our two brotherly peoples. Any threat or danger against Iraq will also threaten Turkey. We must fight the enemy together,” PM Abd Al-Mahdi of Iraq said.

Prior to the press conference, President Erdoğan hosted an iftar for PM Abd Al-Mahdi of Iraq and his delegation.