At a Glance

• The PUK President met with Erman Topcu to enhance bilateral political and economic ties.
• Talabani praised the new visa center for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• Talabani reiterated the PUK's unwavering support for the Turkish peace process to achieve stability.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with Turkish Consul General Erman Topcu to discuss strengthening bilateral political and economic ties, with a key focus on regional stability, trade expansion, and the peace process.

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Key Statements and Focus Areas

• The PUK President's Press Office stated that Bafel Jalal Talabani "reiterated the PUK's unwavering support for the success of the peace process in Turkey."
• The statement noted that "discussions focused on political and economic relations, as well as the general situation in the region, with an emphasis on advancing steps toward mutual understanding on shared issues."

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Talabani welcomed Consul General Topcu to Debashan in Slemani on Sunday after the city's officials inaugurated the Turkish Visa Application Center. Deputy Prime Minister and PUK Political Bureau member Qubad Talabani also attended the meeting.

Talabani "expressed his appreciation for the opening of the Turkish Visa Application Center in Slemani, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation."

He reaffirmed the PUK's stance regarding the ongoing peace process, emphasizing that "the PUK has deployed all its efforts to achieve stability and find a fundamental, peaceful resolution to the issues."

The meeting also addressed the promotion of investment and trade relations.

FYI

The Turkish Visa Application Center officially opened today in Slemani to streamline travel and boost bilateral cooperation, in the presence of Qubad Talabani, Erman Topcu, and his accompanying business delegation.

Qubad Talabani stated that today marks another significant step toward enhancing regional stability and advancing Slemani politically, economically, culturally, and academically.

He noted that opening this office serves as a facilitation and a vital service for the citizens of the city, adding that "Slemani is a home to him; it is a city for all nations and components in Iraq, the region, and the world."

Speaking to the participants of the event, Topcu stated that the initiatives discussed are what strengthen ties between people, adding that "fundamentally, the essence and specific purpose of the visa center is to make those relations stronger."

He highlighted that regardless of past challenges or shifting circumstances, the Turkish Visa Center in Slemani has consistently maintained its presence and never suspended operations dedicated to serving local citizens.

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