In a televised interview with Iraq's UTV channel, Minister Fidan stated that Turkish-Iraqi relations hold indispensable significance for Ankara, noting that "the two countries share deeply intertwined and interconnected history, geography, culture, and beliefs." He added, "Turkey's relations with its neighbors—Syria, Iraq, and Iran—are fundamental."
Fidan further explained that these relations, particularly from the perspective championed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the past 20 years, aim to stand by Iraq as much as possible during difficult times. He stressed, "Whatever happens there affects us, and whatever happens here affects them. Therefore, we always hope for Iraq to thrive economically, politically, and security-wise, resolving all its challenges."
He continued, "In Turkey, we constantly ask ourselves: How can we be more effective in helping Iraq solve its problems? How can we assist in preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, internal stability, and development? We have policies specifically designed to achieve these goals."
Fidan underscored Turkey’s desire to see "an Iraq that achieves internal peace, overcomes regional and international challenges, and utilizes its energy resources with independent will." He noted, "Iraq is an extremely resource-rich country and can greatly contribute not only to its own prosperity but also to the stability of the region."