30 Ağustos 2009 Pazar

Turkish-Iraqi Relations in Light of Davutoglu’s Visit To Iraq

In the post-2003 period, Iraq has been the most substantial issue in Turkish foreign affairs, due to the intense domestic conflict and political instability in Iraq. For Turkey, the unity of Iraqi territory and the security of the region have been a top priority since the US occupation of Iraq. Moreover, the PKK terrorist organization has positioned itself in Northern Iraq and has conducted its activities against Turkey from this location, creating a security concern for Turkey. However, depending on the cooperation efforts of both countries, it can be said that during the past two years, the relations have become more constructive through the mutual visits of politicians.



Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and state Minister Zafer Caglayan paid a one-day visit to Iraq to meet with Iraqi president Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zabari in preparation for the second meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council. The aim of the meeting was, in the words of Davutoglu, “not only cooperation but an integration” of the two countries and the establishment of the scope of security issues, including the close of the Mahmur Terrorist Camp. They are also planning the future expansion of a similar integration project to include Syria and Russia.



The Bilateral High Level Strategic Cooperation Council was established on 10 July 2008 during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq. The Council’s second meeting was on the agenda during Davutoglu’s last visit. It will be held in October 2009 and will determine the details of the Council. Generally, the Council will include the establishment of a common security framework, a high-level political dialogue, mutual economic dependence and cultural cooperation. The Council will be co-headed by two Prime Ministers and conducted with the participation of nine ministries. The ministers will meet three times a year with the aim to improve their interaction in energy, security, diplomacy, and economy issues.
.........http://www.turkishweekly.net/op-ed/2545/turkish-iraqi-relations-in-light-of-davutoglu%E2%80%99s-visit-to-iraq-.html

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