President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani at the Presidential Palace. The meeting focused on exchanging views on Turkey-Iraq relations, cooperation with IKBY, and discussing regional and global developments.

President of the Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government (IKBY), Nechirvan Barzani, arrived in Ankara in the morning. Barzani, who came to Ankara to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held meetings with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin before the meeting. After these meetings, Barzani was welcomed by President Erdogan at the Presidential Palace for their discussion, which began a few minutes ago.

During the meeting, there was a discussion on Turkey-Iraq relations, cooperation with IKBY, and analysis of regional and global developments.

KEY ISSUES ON THE TABLE

According to the Presidential Communications Directorate statement, Erdogan conveyed his well wishes for the IKBY parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20.

Erdogan expressed his belief that the elections, in which the Iraqi Turkmen Front will also compete, will be conducted with an inclusive understanding, peace, and tranquility.

COOPERATION AGAINST TERROR THREAT

President Erdogan emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation in the eradication of the terrorist threat, which poses a danger to the peace, welfare, and internal harmony of the entire region in these troubled times.

Pointing out the growing Israeli aggressiveness and the risk it poses in turning the region into a battlefield, Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s significant emphasis on the stability and security of the entire region and applauded the efforts of Iraqi authorities in keeping the country away from conflict.

DEVELOPMENT ROAD PROJECT

During the meeting, President Erdogan emphasized the benefits of the Development Road Project. Erdogan stated that the project would contribute to the economic development, stability, and brotherhood of the entire region, including IKBY, highlighting the advantages it would bring to the IKBY.

Erdogan reassured that Turkey will always stand by the side of friendly and brotherly Iraq and its people, as it has done in the past.

The two leaders last met in Erbil in 2014.