Iraqi and Turkish Foreign Ministers sign security cooperation memorandum amid ongoing tensions

ANKARA — Amid ongoing Turkish interventions and violations of Iraqi sovereignty, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara.

Hussein announced that the discussions focused on several shared concerns, particularly security issues and counterterrorism efforts, along with enhancing cooperation and coordination for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Hussein noted that they signed a memorandum of understanding on military and security cooperation, describing it as a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirming the commitment of Baghdad and Ankara to peace and stability in the region.

He also mentioned that an agreement was reached concerning the Turkish military base near the Nineveh Plains town of Bashiqa, which will be transitioned into a training facility for the Iraqi Army.

Additionally, Omar Barzanji, Undersecretary of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that both ministries agreed to waive visa requirements for travelers under 15 and those over 50.

These developments occur against the backdrop of the Turkish Army’s presence in dozens of bases within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where ongoing bombings have forced civilians, including many Chaldeans–Syriacs–Assyrians communities, to evacuate their villages.