Turkish, Iraqi Kurdish region premiers discuss Mosul

By Sinan Uslu

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim discussed the developments in Iraq, especially the military operation in Mosul with Kurdish Regional Government's premier Nechirvan Barzani in Ankara on Wednesday, a source at the Prime Ministry said.

Yildirim and Barzani met for about an hour at the Cankaya Palace, the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

In Iraq, the Turkish army has a long-standing training base in Mosul, the presence of which had angered Baghdad, which called it an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty.

Yildirim and Barzani also touched upon bilateral relations. They agreed on the continuation of fighting against terrorist organizations, notably the PKK and Daesh, which targeted the peace and stability of Iraq.

Barzani also met Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara for about 45 minutes.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to receive Barzani later at the Mabeyn Palace in Istanbul.