On Thursday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met to discuss the activation of the strategic framework agreement signed during President Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad. They also addressed key bilateral and regional issues, including security.
Activation of Strategic Framework Agreement
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday to explore ways to implement the strategic framework agreement established during President Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad. In a tweet shared on the “X” platform, Hussein emphasized the importance of enhancing joint cooperation between the two nations. The discussion focused on deepening bilateral relations to align with their mutual interests.
High-Level Meetings on Security and Cooperation
During the visit, the first meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq Joint Planning Group was held, co-chaired by Fidan and Hussein. This group, established through the Strategic Framework Agreement for Joint Cooperation, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, the fourth meeting of the High-Level Security Mechanism took place on the same day, attended by Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Ibrahim Kalin, and their Iraqi counterparts. The meetings are expected to cover various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Issues
The third high-level security committee meeting between Iraq and Turkey occurred in Baghdad on March 14, 2024. The fourth meeting was convened in Ankara following recent agreements signed by Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan during his visit to Iraq on April 22, 2024. These agreements included various bilateral initiatives and commitments.
However, post-visit developments have been marked by significant tension. Turkey initiated a large-scale military operation in Kurdistan region shortly after Erdoğan’s visit. This invasion has led to the evacuation of hundreds of villages as part of Turkey’s ongoing campaign in the region. The situation remains critical, impacting both the strategic and humanitarian aspects of the bilateral relationship.
The meetings between Hussein and Fidan reflect a continued commitment to addressing both strategic and security concerns, amid complex regional dynamics.
