Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Chief of the General Staff Yasar Guler held talks on bilateral relations with Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Monday.
They met with President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Defense Minister Juma Anad Saadoun and army chief Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah.
They are set to hold talks with officials on fighting terrorism and bolstering security and logistic cooperation.
Head of the Center for Political Thinking in Iraq, Dr. Ihssan Shmary said the visit will focus on military and security affairs, especially since Turkey is continuing to combat the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Talks will also focus on ISIS and the developments in Syria and Iraq and their impact on neighboring Turkey, he added.
He also highlighted intelligence cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad.
Shmary said the visit follows up on a trip Kadhimi had made to Turkey last month.
The fact that Turkish officials are in Iraq demonstrates that a new chapter in relations has been established between the two sides, he remarked, crediting the PM for the good ties he enjoys with Ankara and its influential figures.
Relations between Baghdad and Ankara have often been strained due to instability in Iraq, disputes over water and the presence of PKK members inside the Kurdistan Region.
Turkey had in June kicked off two military operations against the PKK, incurring condemnation from Iraq over violations of its sovereignty. Ankara continues to carry out raids on its territories.
