Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeidi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed to extend the authority of the Iraqi state in Sinjar, a region in northern Iraq. The agreement was reached during a meeting between the two leaders in New York, where they also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in security and other areas. The meeting was part of the Iraqi prime minister's activities on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, Al-Zeidi and Erdogan agreed to end the presence of foreign armed elements in Sinjar, which have been operating in the region. The agreement also includes the gradual handover of Camp Zlikaan, also known as Bashiqa-Zlikaan, to Iraqi federal forces, according to a mechanism and timeline agreed upon by the two sides. The camp has been used by Turkish forces as a military base.
The agreement is seen as a significant development in the relations between Iraq and Turkey, which have been working to strengthen ties in various areas, including security and trade. The two countries have been discussing a range of issues, including the fight against terrorism and the promotion of economic cooperation. The meeting between Al-Zeidi and Erdogan was seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss key issues affecting the region.
In addition to the agreement on Sinjar, Al-Zeidi and Erdogan also discussed ways to boost trade and investment between the two countries. They agreed to implement signed agreements and accelerate joint strategic projects, including the Development Road project, which aims to improve infrastructure and economic cooperation between Iraq, Turkey, and other regional countries.
The agreement on Sinjar and Camp Zlikaan is also seen as a positive step towards stabilizing the region, which has been affected by conflict and instability in recent years. The region has been a key area of focus for international efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability. The handover of the camp to Iraqi forces is expected to help to consolidate the authority of the Iraqi state in the region.
The meeting between Al-Zeidi and Erdogan was also seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss regional issues, including the situation in Syria and the fight against terrorism. The two countries have been working together to combat terrorist groups, including ISIS, which has been active in the region. The agreement on Sinjar and Camp Zlikaan is seen as a key part of these efforts.
The agreement between Iraq and Turkey on Sinjar and Camp Zlikaan has been welcomed by international observers, who see it as a positive step towards promoting stability and cooperation in the region. The agreement is also seen as a reflection of the strong relations between Iraq and Turkey, which have been working to strengthen ties in various areas.
Key points
- Iraq and Turkey agree to extend Baghdad's authority in Sinjar and hand over Camp Zlikaan to Iraqi federal forces.
