Iraqi leaders on Tuesday discussed with visiting Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler the security situation in the border areas where Türkiye launched operations against Iraq-based Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants.

A statement by the Iraqi presidency office reported that Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid held a meeting with Guler and his delegation.

He stressed the need “to resolve border problems and security issues between the two countries through cooperation, consultation, and coordination.”

The statement said Mr Rashid expressed Iraq’s rejection of unilateral measures in addressing the outstanding issues.

He stressed the need to respect Iraqi sovereignty and stop Turkish military violations of Iraqi lands, especially in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, it added.

Mr Guler also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’s al-Sudani.

He affirmed Iraq’s rejection of its lands being used to attack neighbouring countries, especially along the borderline between Iraq and Türkiye, according to a statement by Mr al-Sudani’s media office.

“Iraq rejects any breach of its sovereignty or any measures to settle scores on its soil,” Mr al-Sudani said.

He pointed out the need for coordination between the two countries to create the conditions for stability.

Mr Guler stressed his country’s desire to maintain cooperative relations with Iraq and its keenness on security coordination in the field of intelligence and combating terrorism, according to the statement.

The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, particularly in the Qandil Mountains, the central base of the group.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

(NAN)