Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani welcomed Turkey’s National Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz in Erbil today to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against ISIS terrorists.

The Turkish defense minister reiterated his country’s commitment to support the Kurdistan Region in the fight against the ISIS terrorists. He added that Turkey would continue to provide training for the peshmerga forces and also help with supplying humanitarian aid. The President and the Turkish defense minister also discussed efforts currently underway to defeat the ISIS terrorists and liberate areas under their control. 

President Barzani stated that there are many opportunities for mutual cooperation.  He reaffirmed KRG's support for the peace process underway in Turkey. 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (gov.krd) - Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, last Thursday received the Turkish Defence Minister, Ismet Yilmaz and his accompanying delegation in Erbil.

The situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, were the main topics discussed in the meeting, which was also attended by KRG Minister of Peshmerga, Minister of Interior and government Spokesperson.

Mr. Yilmaz said that they conducted a field visit to the Peshmerga training centres in Soran district, adding that Turkey will further develop the training centres and that his government will continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance to the Kurdistan Region.

Turkish Defence Minister also pointed out that they look at the security of the Kurdistan Region the same way they look at their own security and consider the danger ISIS poses as a threat to Turkey as well.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government for its assistance, expressing his pleasure at the level of relations between both sides which has witnessed significant progress over the past few years.