Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan who is in Iraq for official talks has met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad on Sunday. Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Fidan once again delivered messages against the Kurdish people and the Freedom Movement under the guise of “security cooperation.”
Hakan Fidan said that Turkey would pay Iraq’s “water fee” and support Iraq in the construction of water infrastructure and facilities.
According to Hakan, water, trade, energy, and security issues were discussed during the meeting, the main agenda of which, was to develop a common stance against the Kurdistan Freedom Movement.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that relations between the two countries were “historic,” adding, “We had a productive meeting today. We have 26 agreements with Turkey in areas such as economy, trade, security, culture, youth, energy, and transportation. We want these agreements to be implemented.”
Hussein also stated that Iraq supports Turkey’s “peace process” and that they are monitoring the steps taken by the PKK.
Hakan Fidan placed special emphasis on the issue of security. “We have a common understanding with Iraq, Iran, and Syria on this matter,” he said, arguing that the activities of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement must be stopped in all areas.
Despite official statements highlighting the topics of “water and trade”, Fidan’s talks essentially focused on the policy against the Kurdish people. The Turkish minister said he held talks in both Baghdad and Erbil on the disarmament of the PKK.
Fidan said he wanted the Iraqi administration to increase pressure on the Freedom Movement, adding, “We demand the same from Damascus and Tehran.”