The political context of the joint response to the Kurdish organization PKK on the territory of Iraq, along the country’s border with Turkey, is reflected in a joint communique that was made public after the contacts yesterday Thursday in Baghdad of a high-ranking Turkish delegation led by the ministers of foreign affairs and Defense.

In the text made public after the meeting of the so-called security apparatus of Turkey and Iraq, the common position is highlighted in the face of regional developments and various challenges of bilateral interest. The talks in Baghdad followed similar talks in Ankara on 19 December.

It is underlined that the PKK is a threat to the security of both Turkey and Iraq and it is noted that the presence of the PKK in Iraqi territory is a violation of the country’s Constitution.

In paragraph 5 of the announcement it is noted:

a) During the talks, the importance attached by both sides to the political unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq was emphasized.

b) The parties underlined that the PKK is a threat to the security of Turkey and Iraq and noted that the presence of the PKK on Iraqi soil is a violation of the Iraqi Constitution.

c) Turkey welcomed the decision of the Iraqi National Security Council that the PKK is a banned organization in Iraq.

d) The parties discussed measures to be taken against the organization and its offshoots operating against Turkey using Iraqi territory.

The two delegations also discussed preparations for the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iraq, possibly after Ramadan. “The parties confirmed that all efforts will be made to ensure the success of this historic visit and noted that they hope it will be a breakthrough in bilateral relations.”

It was also decided to intensify the work on a Memorandum of Understanding in order to create a structural framework in various areas of bilateral relations and establish mechanisms for regular contacts.

The seven-point text also talks about creating a strategic framework for bilateral relations and notes that the parties agreed to continue regular and uninterrupted talks within the framework of the envisaged contact mechanisms.

The two high-ranking delegations from Turkey and Iraq exchanged views on the challenges in the region, especially the war in the Gaza Strip – there is talk of a massacre that “ends up being genocide” – and reaffirmed their willingness to support the Palestinian cause.

Finally, it was decided to set up joint standing committees to work exclusively in the areas of counter-terrorism, trade, agriculture, agriculture, energy, water, health and transport.

The Turkish delegation that went to Baghdad consisted of Foreign Ministers Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, as well as the head of the Intelligence Service (MİT) Ibrahim Kalin. On the Iraqi side, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, the Minister of Defense, the Deputy Minister of National Security of Iraq, the Chairman of the “Hasdi Sabi” Commission, the Deputy Chief of the Iraqi Intelligence Service (Muhambarat) and the Minister of Interior participated of the autonomous Kurdish government in Northern Iraq.

Ankara expresses its determination to end the PKK’s presence in the region by the summer and is seeking joint action with Baghdad. In a recent speech, Turkish President Erdogan insisted that the PKK will be “eliminated” from northern Iraq by the summer. Turkish Defense Minister Guler visited Baghdad last month, accompanied by the head of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gürak. On January 23, the head of the MIT Kalin also went to the Iraqi capital, while the commander of the 3rd Army Lt. Gen. Metin Tokel – an officer who is considered to be deeply knowledgeable about the Kurdish issue and has operational responsibility in the region – had contacts with Iraqi officials on Tuesday regarding security at the border and inside Iraqi territory.