On Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani in Ankara. This highly anticipated meeting took place at the ruling Justice and Development Party’s headquarters, signaling the strong ties between Turkey and Iraq.
The closed-door meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Iraqi Ambassador to Turkey Hassan al-Janabi. It was a historic moment, as it was the first official visit of al-Mashhadani to Turkey since taking office last month.
During the meeting, President Erdoğan and Speaker al-Mashhadani discussed various issues concerning the two nations, such as security, economy, and bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on the current situation in the region and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability.
President Erdoğan expressed Turkey’s full support for Iraq’s fight against terrorism, reaffirming that the two countries stand together in the face of threats to their security and stability. He also highlighted the need for joint efforts in the fight against terrorism and underlined the importance of coordination and cooperation between the two countries’ security forces.
The meeting also focused on economic cooperation between Turkey and Iraq. President Erdoğan stated that Turkey is ready to contribute to Iraq’s reconstruction efforts and to increase trade and investment between the two countries. He highlighted the potential for cooperation in various sectors, such as energy, transportation, and agriculture.
Speaker al-Mashhadani thanked President Erdoğan for the warm welcome and praised the strong relationship between Iraq and Turkey. He also expressed his country’s gratitude for Turkey’s support in the fight against terrorism and its efforts in hosting millions of Iraqi refugees.
The two leaders also discussed the recent developments in the Kurdish region of Iraq. President Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Iraq’s territorial integrity and expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
The meeting between President Erdoğan and Speaker al-Mashhadani is a clear indication of the close and friendly relations between Turkey and Iraq. Both leaders emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges and to further strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
In addition to the official talks, President Erdoğan and Speaker al-Mashhadani also attended a luncheon hosted by the Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop. This provided an opportunity for the two leaders to interact in a more informal setting and to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
The visit of Speaker al-Mashhadani to Turkey is a significant step towards enhancing the already strong ties between the two countries. It is a clear message that Turkey and Iraq are committed to working together towards a more prosperous and stable future for both nations.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Erdoğan and Speaker al-Mashhadani was a highly successful and productive one. It emphasized the mutual respect and close cooperation between Turkey and Iraq and showcased the strong determination of both nations to continue their partnership in the years to come. This visit has undoubtedly paved the way for stronger ties and more fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the future.
