Turkiye and Iraq have agreed to appoint high-ranking military Generals to a newly established Coordination Centre in Baghdad. This move aims to strengthen bilateral security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and border security.
The new Centre, announced after recent high-level talks between the two countries, will serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, joint military operations planning and coordination on security issues affecting both nations. The decision underscores the deepening defence ties between Ankara and Baghdad as they face common threats, including terrorist groups operating in the region.
Officials from both countries have highlighted the Centre’s role in facilitating real-time communication between their armed forces. The appointment of Generals is seen as a significant step toward operationalising the Centre, which is expected to improve the effectiveness of joint operations against insurgent groups like the PKK, which has bases in northern Iraq.
The establishment of the Baghdad Centre reflects a broader regional strategy to enhance security collaboration among Middle Eastern nations. It also marks a critical step in Turkiye’s efforts to bolster its influence and secure its borders in cooperation with neighbouring states.
Both countries have expressed optimism that the new Coordination Centre will lead to more effective management of cross-border security issues, reducing the threat of terrorism and contributing to regional stability. The appointed Generals are expected to assume their roles in the coming weeks, with further details on the Centre’s operations to be disclosed following their deployment.
This development follows a series of discussions aimed at improving military collaboration between Turkiye and Iraq, especially in light of the ongoing conflict with various militant groups. The Centre is anticipated to become a model for future security cooperation initiatives in the region.
READ: Turkiye rebuffs allegations of misallocation of EU funds