Erdogan: Türkiye's Security Inseparable from Iraq's Stability

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has articulated Türkiye's fundamental security doctrine that peace and stability in neighboring Iraq are inextricably connected to Türkiye's own national security. During a meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye actively pursues regional peace initiatives and closely monitors Iraq's internal developments to prevent destabilizing violence cycles.

The high-level meeting addressed multiple dimensions of Türkiye-Iraq relations, cooperation frameworks with the KRG, and broader regional security developments. According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, Erdogan stressed the critical importance of Iraq avoiding violence escalation while acknowledging Ankara's attentive observation of KRG initiatives contributing to regional stability. The Turkish president also expressed optimism that next month's Iraqi parliamentary elections would produce outcomes beneficial to all Iraqi citizens.

President Erdogan welcomed the recently achieved agreement between Iraq's central government and the KRG regarding oil revenue sharing and management. He further emphasized that reaching consensus on the strategic Development Road project in the near future would significantly advance regional economic integration and serve collective interests. The discussions reflected Türkiye's comprehensive approach to regional engagement that combines security concerns with economic development initiatives.

Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara's determined commitment to the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process while underscoring the importance of continued KRG support for Syria's territorial integrity and unity. The Turkish president was accompanied by key advisors including Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, and Chief Foreign Policy Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, demonstrating the meeting's significance within Türkiye's broader regional security and diplomatic strategy.