Iraqi, Turkish ministers discuss strengthening security cooperation and border protection

NEWSROOM — Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari met with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler on Wednesday to discuss enhancing bilateral security cooperation, exchanging intelligence and expertise, and securing their shared borders, according to a statement from the Iraqi Embassy in Turkish capital Ankara.

The statement noted that both sides focused on reinforcing mechanisms for joint security efforts to address mutual challenges, particularly in border management and countering cross-border threats.

“The discussion centered on enhancing joint security cooperation, exchanging intelligence and expertise, and ensuring the safety of the shared borders between the two friendly countries,” the embassy said.

The Iraqi interior minister arrived in Ankara, leading a high-level delegation, according to a statement from the ministry. The minister is set to hold an official bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Ali Yerlikaya, to discuss a range of mutual issues of shared interest.

“The talks will focus on frameworks for joint cooperation in several key areas, particularly combating crime in all its forms, intelligence and expertise exchange, and securing the shared borders,” the statement said.

This visit comes ties between Iraq and Turkey strengthen, especially in the sphere of security. In August, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in military, security, and counter-terrorism efforts. This agreement followed high-level security talks in Ankara, aiming to improve relations strained by Turkey’s cross-border operations against PKK militants in northern Iraq.

The August accord included the establishment of a Joint Security Coordination Centre in Baghdad and a Joint Training and Cooperation Centre in Bashiqa.