Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives, during an official visit to Ankara, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement on X.

The high-level meeting is part of a broader effort to enhance diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq, focusing on parliamentary diplomacy and shared security and economic interests. Discussions reportedly included regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and the development of institutional ties between the two neighboring countries.

As part of his visit to the Turkish capital, Speaker al-Mashhadani was also received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two officials held talks at the Presidential Complex, where they reportedly discussed regional political dynamics and ways to deepen strategic cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad.

In addition to his meeting with President Erdoğan, al-Mashhadani also held talks with Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Numan Kurtulmuş. The meeting emphasized strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue and mutual support in legislative matters.

Foreign Minister Fidan’s diplomatic agenda also included a meeting with newly appointed British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on 30 July in Ankara. Following their talks, both ministers held a joint press conference in which they addressed current regional and global developments, and pledged to expand cooperation, particularly in the defence and security sectors.

The string of meetings reflects Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic momentum in the region and beyond, as Ankara positions itself as a central actor in facilitating dialogue, promoting regional security, and bolstering economic ties. Further details on the outcomes of the meetings are expected to be shared in the coming days. (ILKHA)