On January 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), in Ankara. The meeting, held at the presidential complex, focused on bolstering cooperation between Ankara and Arbil and addressing pressing regional developments, according to a statement from the Communications Directorate.
Earlier that day, Barzani also engaged in discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. These meetings underscore the growing partnership between Türkiye and Iraq, particularly in the areas of economic collaboration, transportation projects, energy initiatives, and security measures.
A central theme of the discussions was the two countries’ enhanced efforts to counter the PKK, a militant group operating from northern Iraq. This visit also comes amidst ongoing parliamentary talks led by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and other political groups aimed at resolving terrorism-related challenges.
The agenda is believed to have included developments in Syria following the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces in December 2024. Both Türkiye and Iraq, sharing borders with Syria, have faced significant repercussions from the country’s instability.
Addressing the situation in Syria during a speech on January 6, following a cabinet meeting, Erdoğan praised the downfall of the Assad regime as a historic transformation.
“The epic revolution in our neighbor Syria has ushered in a new era both for this country and our region,” Erdoğan stated. He emphasized the efforts of the new Syrian administration to rebuild the country while maintaining its territorial integrity and unity.
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s stance on a sovereign and unified Syria. “We will not tolerate the disintegration of Syria or the disruption of its unitary structure under any guise. If we see a risk in this matter, we will take the necessary steps swiftly,” he asserted.
He also addressed Türkiye’s commitment to preventing terrorist organizations such as ISIL and the PKK from exploiting Syria’s transitional phase. Erdoğan issued a stern warning to groups engaging in terrorism:
“The only fate awaiting those who choose terrorism and violence is to be buried in the ground with their weapons. I am saying it openly: no power can stand in the way of this reality.”
Türkiye, Erdoğan declared, remains resolute in defending its security and sovereignty. “Türkiye has repeatedly shown that it has an uncompromising will to protect its perpetuity and security. If it comes to that point, we may come again suddenly one night. We have more than enough strength, capacity, and capability to do so,” he affirmed.