Turkey is closely monitoring developments in Kirkuk following the appointment of a non-Turkmen director to the Altunkopru Municipality, an area with a significant Turkmen population, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli stated that the decision has caused “discomfort and disappointment” among the Turkmen community.

“Our fundamental expectation is that Turkmen are adequately represented within Iraq's political and state structures. This is particularly crucial in Kirkuk, especially for appointments and assignments in public institutions, starting with the Provincial Council,” Keceli said.

He emphasized that Kirkuk’s peace and stability are vital for the stability of Iraq as a whole, given its ethnic and religious diversity.

“In this context, developments in Kirkuk are being closely and carefully monitored by our country,” Keceli added.