Turkish FM: Iraqi PM Ali Al-Zaidi Has A Serious Vision For Advancing Relations With Turkey
Istanbul / NINA / — Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan said Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has a “serious vision for advancing relations with Turkey,” noting that the positive and constructive effects of this approach have begun to emerge in Iraqi policies.
Speaking to the press following a series of meetings in Baghdad on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Fidan said his meeting with al-Zaidi had demonstrated the Iraqi prime minister’s strong determination to identify the challenges facing Iraq and take practical steps to address them.
Fidan explained that the discussions focused on supporting constructive policies and exploring opportunities to elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels, supported by the positive political will of both sides.
He stressed that Turkey would play a constructive role in helping overcome longstanding problems, particularly those that have affected Iraqi society. His talks with al-Zaidi covered energy, regional connectivity, the Development Road Project, security and defense cooperation, counterterrorism, and the Sinjar file.
The Turkish foreign minister described his visit to Baghdad as a long and productive day, which began with a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty ahead of the OIC meeting. The session addressed issues of concern to the Islamic world, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.
Fidan noted that Turkey handed over the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers presidency to Iraq on Saturday, following its 18-month term. He said the meetings aimed to explore ways to address shared challenges facing the Islamic world.
Regarding bilateral relations, Fidan said he had met Iraqi President Nizar Amedi and conveyed the greetings of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also congratulated Amedi on assuming office, expressing hope that other regional disputes could be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means in ways that would strengthen stability in Iraq and the wider region.
On security and regional developments, Fidan said he discussed the broader political situation and regional issues with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
His meeting with Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Commission Chairman Faleh al-Fayyad addressed the commission’s situation, regional developments, steps being taken to disarm certain armed groups in Iraq, bilateral relations, and shared security perspectives.
Fidan also met Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, conveyed Erdoğan’s greetings, and discussed issues on the parliamentary agenda as well as relations between the two countries.
In addition, he held talks with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Oboudi on the security dimensions of Turkish-Iraqi relations and their implications for regional security policies.
Fidan emphasized that Turkey and Iraq share bonds of brotherhood, geography, culture, and history, adding that the objective is to transform these longstanding ties into a more advanced and effective institutional framework that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.
The 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers opened on Saturday with the participation of 55 member and observer states. The two-day meeting is being held under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Strengthening Peace and Sustainable Development.”/ End
