Turkey pushes closer border, trade cooperation with Iraq
Turkey and Iraq have highlighted the importance of strengthening border control and trade ties.
During a meeting on Sunday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim said "we focused on increased trade volume with Turkey."
The remarks came during a joint press conference with Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Moreover, Hakim described terrorism on the Iraq-Turkey border as an "important" part of their meeting.
"Iraq is strongly rejecting the use of its land for any military activities against Turkey," he said, referring to the nearly four-decade long cross border conflict between the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkish state.
Meanwhile, Cavusoglu said Turkey and Iraq will need to cooperate to "eliminate PKK terrorist group as well."
Moreover, Cavusoglu said, "we have plan to open a consulate in Basra, one in Kirkuk and one in Najaf," in addition to reopening their consulate in Mosul.
He went on saying that Turkish companies "are keen to taking part in the reconstruction of Iraq and that Turkey has been the best helping side for Iraq."
Ankara has offered $5 billion in credit for Turkish companies rebuilding in Iraq.
Regarding the water issue, Cavusoglu said "last year, there was a huge water crisis and problem. But this year was the year of compassion and blessings. This year we instead have the problem of flooding.”
Hakim hailed his Turkish counterpart's visit as "very crucial for increasing coordination and strengthening friendship" between Ankara and Baghdad.
