Ankara: Trkiye and Iran have engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering security cooperation and addressing the threat posed by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its affiliates. This meeting, held in Ankara between Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa CiftCi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni, focused on the “Trkiye without terrorism” initiative.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Interior Ministry issued a statement outlining the meeting’s focus on the progress of Trkiye’s “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative, particularly the disbandment of the PKK and its affiliates. The conversation also addressed the risks associated with the PKK’s Iranian affiliate, PJAK, and the presence of PKK affiliates in various regions.

Minister CiftCi emphasized the necessity for coordinated action between Trkiye and Iran in fighting terrorism and transnational crime, highlighting that the PKK was forced to disband due to Trkiye’s resolute efforts. He underscored the importance of eliminating PKK affiliates in Syria and Iraq to secure regional stability and called for the inclusion of PJAK in Iran in these efforts.

CiftCi also warned about the potential for PKK terrorists to move into Iranian territory, which could increase the organization’s influence within Iran. The discussions extended to combating “new generation organized crime organizations,” drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

CiftCi noted that the geographical positioning of Trkiye and Iran makes them central to the transit routes used by drug trafficking and organized crime networks. He expressed Trkiye’s willingness to engage in “effective cooperation” with Iran to combat these challenges.

Iranian Interior Minister Momeni highlighted the historical ties between Trkiye and Iran and stressed the importance of their cooperation in fighting terrorism, organized crime, border security, and irregular migration. Momeni called for collaboration among Trkiye, Iraq, Iran, and Syria to reach a fundamental solution, emphasizing that peace requires the disarmament of PKK and PJAK terrorists and all their affiliates.

Momeni stated, “Turkey’s security is Iran’s security, and Iran’s security is Turkey’s security with regard to terrorism, and we must develop our cooperation.”