Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (IKRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has called on the PKK to disarm and dissolve itself without waiting for steps from Türkiye, in what observers describe as one of his most direct messages to the group in recent years.

Barzani made the remarks during a speech prior to his visit to Ankara, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday, October 9. The meeting focused on regional developments, counterterrorism cooperation, and Ankara-Erbil-Baghdad relations.

The visit comes amid Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to achieve what the government describes as a “terror-free Türkiye,” as Ankara intensifies pressure on the PKK’s presence across northern Iraq and Syria.

Barzani discussed the state of relations between Ankara and Erbil and the PKK disarmament process during a recent forum organized by the Middle East Research Institute in Erbil.

“There are steps that need to be taken. PKK should take these steps for the good of the process,” Barzani said, stressing that the group must act independently of Turkish initiatives if it truly seeks peace.

Barzani underlined that President Erdoğan and the Turkish government are “very serious and committed” to resolving the PKK issue, though he admitted the process might move slower than anticipated.

“The process requires taking risks, and PKK should take them,” he emphasized, noting that both Ankara and the PKK had engaged with Erbil to seek its support during previous disarmament discussions. “Our support was sought, and we lent it,” Barzani added.

Calling the current moment a “historic opportunity,” Barzani urged Kurdish actors across the region not to let it slip away, suggesting that internal unity and responsibility are essential to progress.

In his comments on Syria, the IKRG premier also addressed the YPG-Damascus talks, urging the YPG to engage in political dialogue with the Syrian government and become part of the national reconciliation process.

“The YPG should meet Syrian officials in Damascus and be part of the political process,” Barzani said, further urging the PKK to withdraw from northern Syria and end its interference in the region.

Barzani’s statements have been widely interpreted as aligning with Türkiye’s regional security approach, signaling increased cooperation between Ankara and Erbil in addressing the PKK’s influence in northern Iraq and Syria.

The Ankara meeting between Erdoğan, Fidan, and Barzani is expected to pave the way for further coordination on security, energy cooperation, and cross-border stability between Türkiye and the IKRG. (ILKHA)