Turkey and Iraq Join Forces to Combat Terrorism
In a significant move towards strengthening their bilateral relations, Turkey and Iraq have agreed to establish a joint committee to work on counterterrorism. This decision was made during talks between their top officials in Baghdad on Thursday.
The meeting, which was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, focused on various issues of mutual interest, including security, trade, and energy cooperation. However, the highlight of the discussions was the decision to form a joint committee to combat terrorism, which has been a major concern for both countries.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and agreed to work closely together to address this common threat. They also emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination between their security forces to effectively combat terrorist organizations.
The establishment of this joint committee is a significant step towards enhancing the security of both countries and the wider region. It will serve as a platform for sharing intelligence, coordinating operations, and developing joint strategies to counter the growing threat of terrorism. This move also reflects the strong determination of Turkey and Iraq to work together towards a more stable and secure future for their citizens.
The decision to form this committee comes at a crucial time when the region is facing numerous security challenges. Both Turkey and Iraq have been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and have suffered greatly from its devastating effects. The joint committee will not only strengthen their cooperation but also send a strong message to terrorist organizations that their actions will not be tolerated.
During the talks, the two sides also discussed ways to enhance their economic ties and boost trade and investment between the two countries. Turkey is one of Iraq’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $17 billion in 2020. However, there is still great potential for further growth in this area, and both sides have expressed their commitment to exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
In addition to trade, the two countries also discussed energy cooperation, with Turkey expressing its interest in importing oil and natural gas from Iraq. This would not only benefit both countries economically but also contribute to the stability of the region by reducing their dependence on other energy sources.
The talks also touched upon the issue of water resources, with Turkey reaffirming its commitment to the equitable sharing of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This is a crucial issue for Iraq, as it heavily relies on these rivers for its water supply. The two sides agreed to continue their dialogue on this matter and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution.
The meeting between the top officials of Turkey and Iraq is a testament to the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries. It also reflects their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous region. The joint committee on counterterrorism is a concrete step towards achieving this vision and will undoubtedly strengthen the already close ties between the two nations.
The positive outcome of this meeting is a result of the sincere efforts of both sides to build a stronger partnership based on mutual respect and understanding. It is a clear demonstration of their commitment to working together towards common goals and addressing shared challenges.
In conclusion, the establishment of a joint committee to combat terrorism is a significant development in the relations between Turkey and Iraq. It is a clear indication of their determination to work together towards a more secure and stable region. This decision will not only benefit both countries but also contribute to the overall peace and stability of the Middle East.
