Türkiye pledges assistance to Iraq for enhancing border safety systems

Turkish National Defense Ministry said Thursday that it is prepared to support Iraq's border security measures.

The development came after talks with National Defense Minister Yasar Guler during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to Iraq.

According to security sources, the discussions between Türkiye and Iraq covered a wide variety of topics, including cooperative operations against terrorist groups such as the PKK, FETO and Daesh.

Cooperation in thwarting terrorism and strengthening security measures was agreed upon.

The ongoing talks to formalize security cooperation, border security, and counterterrorism operations between Türkiye and Iraq and create a Security Joint Coordination Center are one important step.

"We have conveyed our readiness to provide support regarding border security systems to Iraq," Turkish security officials said, underscoring Türkiye's determination to help Iraq fortify its border boundaries.

The signing of a protocol on education and collaboration in military health, as well as a memorandum of understanding on military training cooperation, was highlighted by ministry spokesperson Brig. Adm. Zeki Akturk during the briefing.

Through these agreements, military relations will be elevated to a new level and military training cooperation activities will be expanded.

"We aim for our countries to progress on a stronger footing in combating terrorism through cooperation that will become permanent," Akturk said.

Furthermore, Türkiye voiced anticipation for other moves toward the PKK's recognition as a terrorist organization and applauded Iraq's decision to label it as a "banned group."

In a separate development, Turkish security sources said they were hopeful about Germany and Türkiye working together, especially on the Eurofighter problem. Stressing the need to preserve ally unity, they pleaded with Germany to take a proactive stance and remove any limitations or penalties.

Meanwhile, Türkiye reaffirmed that stopping Israeli strikes on Gaza and establishing a long-term truce is crucial for maintaining regional peace in the face of rising tensions.

Speaking out against the slaughter and expulsion of innocent Palestinians, Turkish authorities denounced the violence and urged the international community to do the same.

Fifty-four PKK/YPG militants were neutralized in northern Iraq and northern Syria, according to Turkish security services as part of their counterterrorism activities.

Some 802 terrorists have been neutralized since the year's commencement, 442 of them in northern Syria and 360 of them in Iraq.

In addition, 284 people, including six members of terrorist organizations, were apprehended by Turkish border security forces throughout the previous week as they attempted to enter the border unlawfully.

Some 48,596 people have been stopped from crossing the border out of 2,769 people arrested since Jan. 1, 2024.

Guler met with Australian Richard Marles and Ho Quang Tuan, the head of the Vietnamese military sector, to highlight Türkiye's international participation.

Türkiye's commitment to regional and international peace and stability was reaffirmed during these defense and security talks.

Source: AA