Turkey Welcomes Iraq’s Efforts to Strengthen Border Security

Istambul / NINA / - Turkey has welcomed Iraq’s measures to reinforce observation posts and border outposts along the two countries’ shared border, aimed at preventing illegal crossings and promoting an atmosphere of peace and stability.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Turkish Ministry of National Defence Spokesperson Zeki Aktürk said Ankara would continue providing all forms of support to Iraq to strengthen border security, eliminate terrorism from its territory, and promote peace, prosperity and stability. He stressed that Turkey would maintain its cooperation with Iraq in the fields of defence and security.

In a separate development, Aktürk announced that a Turkish soldier had been killed while taking part in an operation to prevent an attempted illegal crossing from Iran into Turkish territory. The incident occurred on October 31, following an exchange of gunfire.

He added that judicial and administrative investigations were launched immediately after the incident. A meeting with Iranian officials was also held at the scene on November 3, while Iranian authorities have initiated their own judicial and administrative investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Aktürk stressed that efforts to clarify all aspects of the incident are ongoing in close coordination with the Iranian authorities./End