“Mr. Rutte thanked Türkiye for the major role it plays in the fight against terrorism, including in NATO’s mission in Iraq,” read a statement from NATO following Rutte’s meetings with Erdogan and other Turkish officials without mentioning any groups.
Ankara often carries out airstrikes in the Kurdistan Region and northern Iraq on the grounds of targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Founded in 1978, the PKK initially called for the establishment of an independent Kurdistan but now calls for autonomy. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and Western allies.
Iraq banned the PKK earlier this year ahead of Erdogan’s rare visit to the country which was followed by several agreements between both neighbouring countries in various sectors, including security.
Turkey has the second-largest army in the alliance and spends over two percent of its GDP on defence.
Erdogan and Rutte also talked about the latest developments in the region and the Russia-Ukraine war.
NATO chief “commended Türkiye for its firm support of Ukraine’s defence industry with the ammunition, artillery and aid it needs, also by playing a key role in initiatives like the Black Sea Grain Deal and other diplomatic efforts,” read the statement from the alliance.
Turkey has acted as a key mediator between both warring countries since the conflict began in 2022.
