Turkey and Iraq will discuss all aspects of bilateral relations, as well as regional developments, during Iraqi President Barham Salih’s visit to the Turkish capital today, diplomatic sources have said.
Among issues to be discussed between the two presidents are ways to improve bilateral trade, cooperation in the field of energy and transportation, opening a second border gate and other issues to their mutual concern.
Erdoğan and Salih will also exchange views on regional developments, particularly Syria after the United States’ decision to withdraw troops from this country. A major concern is a potential re-grouping of ISIL, which still has support in some parts of Iraq and Syria. Erdoğan, in a phone call with Trump, had vowed that Turkey can fully eliminate the residues of ISIL in Syria.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, another important issue the two leaders will discuss is the continued presence of the PKK in northern Iraqi territories. Turkey had hit the PKK positions in Sinjar province of Iraq last month on grounds that the group was trying to establish a new headquarters in the said region.
