Turkey, Iraq forge joint operations center against “terrorism”

Turkey’s Defense Minister, Yasar Guler, announced plans for a collaborative effort with Iraq to establish a joint operations center, emphasizing the importance of tackling “terrorism”.

During his visit to Baghdad, the Iraqi government made a significant move by officially recognizing the PKK as a terrorist organization and banning it.

Guler underscored Turkey’s resilience in the face of terrorism, acknowledging the challenges posed by its geographical and economic advantages, which have made it a target for some.

He expressed disappointment over Iraq’s historical reluctance to acknowledge the PKK as a terrorist group but noted recent progress in this regard.

Beyond combating terrorism, Guler highlighted plans for cooperation in various sectors, such as energy, agriculture, and transportation.

 He emphasized the importance of the Development Road project, which aims to connect the Persian Gulf to Europe through Turkey, offering significant economic opportunities for the region.

The opening of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) facility in Kahramanmaras was also cited as a positive development, expected to create opportunities for youth and potentially even produce future astronauts.