Turkey and Iraq have reached an agreement on the phased withdrawal of Turkish forces from the Bashiqa-Zelikan military base in northern Iraq, according to a joint statement issued after meetings between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The agreement outlines the transfer of control of the base to the Iraqi government over time.
The deal also includes commitments from Iraq to address armed groups in the Sinjar region that Turkey has identified as security threats. The withdrawal process is expected to be gradual, with Turkey maintaining a presence in the area until the handover is complete. The agreement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations to stabilize the region and enhance security cooperation.
The U.N. General Assembly provided a platform for the leaders to discuss regional security and bilateral relations. The move is seen as a step toward greater Iraqi sovereignty in managing its own security challenges. The exact timeline for the withdrawal remains under discussion, but both sides have expressed confidence in the process.
