‘Turkey’s Iraq policy based on territorial integrity’

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Securing Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity as well as ensuring its stability and security are the basis of Turkey's policy on Iraq, the Turkish president said on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih in Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Iraq standing on its own feet is very important for regional security and stability.

Erdogan said terror groups like Daesh, PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) pose threats to both Turkey and Iraq, and the two countries should cooperate in fighting terror.

He also said that Turkey and Iraq will continue holding High Level Strategic Council meetings in 2019.

"We are ready to contribute to infrastructure and development projects in Iraq -- construction of places which were harmed by conflicts being the priority," Erdogan said.

Turkey wants to boost security cooperation with Iraq, Erdogan said, adding: "There are lots we can do with Iraq in the defense industry."

Salih, for his part, said Iraq expects Turkey's contribution in reconstructing terror-free regions in the country.

I am visiting the brotherly country Turkey with the aim of cooperation in every field, Salih said, adding that relations with Turkey will be "shoulder to shoulder, in full solidarity".