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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that while the terrorist organization PKK's decision to disband and end armed activities in Türkiye is positive, Ankara expects the terrorist group to cease operations across Iraq and Syria as well.
Fidan made his remarks during a joint press conference with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein following their meeting in Iraq on Sunday.
He emphasized that ending the terrorist organization PKK's terror activities across the region is critical for stability and security.
"The PKK terrorism organization's decision to end its armed activities within Türkiye is, from our perspective, an extremely important decision," Fidan said.
"However, our wish and expectation is that the organization must end its armed struggle and terror activities in Iraq as well, just as it has in Türkiye, withdraw from the areas it occupies, and similarly withdraw from the areas it occupies in Syria. This is extremely important," he added.
Foreign Minister Fidan stressed that the PKK currently occupies very large areas in Iraq, and Türkiye is working closely with Iraqi authorities on this matter.
"The PKK currently occupies very large areas in Iraq," Fidan said, adding, "We are working closely with Iraqi authorities on this matter. I would like to thank the Iraqi authorities for their cooperation on this issue."
Fidan noted that both Baghdad and Erbil are cooperating with Türkiye on ending PKK operations, saying, "Both Baghdad and Erbil are working in close cooperation with us on this matter."
Fidan underscored that ending PKK activities is essential not only in Türkiye but across the entire region, including Iran, to maintain stability and prevent external interference, by stating, "Ending PKK activities is important not only in Türkiye but in Iraq and Syria as well, and even in Iran, for the region's stability and security and to prevent interference by external powers."
"The 'Terror-Free Türkiye' process advancing in a positive direction is a good development not only for Türkiye but for the entire region," Fidan stated.
Fidan emphasized Türkiye's appreciation for Iraq's political leadership and various political parties for supporting the vision of regional peace and security, stating: "I would like to thank Iraq's political leadership and other political parties for supporting the vision of peace and tranquility in the region on this matter."
He stressed that regional countries must work together to solve regional problems and prevent external intervention.
"We as regional countries, we as regional peoples, will solve the problems in our region by coming together ourselves. We will not wait for a savior from outside. Our strength, capacity, and vision are sufficient for this. If we do this, we will be less of a burden to the rest of the world and even create added value for ourselves," Fidan said.
Beyond the PKK issue, Fidan highlighted intense cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq across multiple sectors.
"Between Baghdad and Ankara, there is very intensive cooperation work. On every issue, our institutions cooperate intensively, handle matters very professionally, and work with a solutions-focused approach," he said.
Fidan referenced numerous agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 2024 visit to Iraq and the establishment of joint working committees addressing security, energy, water, trade, customs, and transportation matters.
"Through the joint working committees we established, we have really intense work in many areas, including security, energy, water, trade, customs, and transportation," Fidan stated.
Fidan also announced that Türkiye and Iraq would sign a historic water agreement during the meeting.
"The signatures we will place today will, Allah willing, pave the way for the permanent restoration of Iraq's water systems," he said, adding, "This will be the largest infrastructure investment ever made in Iraqi history."
The agreement represents the culmination of two and a half years of collaborative work on water management and irrigation system restoration.
"Two and a half years ago, during a visit I made, I reached an agreement with Prime Minister (Muhammad Shia al-Sudani) on a two-phase approach.
First, we would find better methods for water usage between Türkiye and Iraq. Second, we would work together on restoring Iraq's water infrastructure and irrigation systems. For two and a half years, we have conducted intense work on both tracks," Fidan explained.
Fidan emphasized that the current global context requires the region to pursue peace, development, mutual integration, and cooperation rather than fragmentation and division.
"The spirit of our time demands peace, development, mutual integration, and cooperation in our region. Not fragmentation, division, competing with one another, or tripping each other up. No reason or obstacle is preventing us from doing what the rest of the civilized world does in our region," Fidan said.
He highlighted the region's vast resources and potential, noting, "Our region truly has extraordinary resources, both underground and above ground. Our region's geography, people, civilization, culture, faith, and historical heritage all mean there is no reason we cannot transform our region into a paradise on earth, a geography of prosperity and stability that contributes to the rest of the world, if we implement appropriate strategies."
Regarding parliamentary elections scheduled for Nov. 11 in Iraq, Fidan expressed confidence in Iraq's democratic maturity.
"I believe this will be an election that demonstrates the maturity of Iraqi democracy. Allah willing, the Iraqi people will reflect their will at the ballot box in peace and tranquility," he said.
Fidan noted positive developments in Iraq's stability by adding, "Thank Allah, today we see Iraq taking firmer steps toward stability, peace, and tranquility. As Türkiye, our contribution and support toward Iraq's peace, security, development, and prosperity is complete."
Fidan pointed out that relations between Türkiye and Iraq are ancient, with the two nations' peoples having lived together for centuries.
He emphasized that Türkiye will continue strengthening these historical bonds and that President Erdogan's support for the Iraqi people, state, and government is complete.
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