Slemani — Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Friday, reaffirming the Kurdistan Region’s and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) support for Türkiye’s peace process while stressing the Region’s neutral stance amid escalating regional tensions and calling for the swift formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s next cabinet.
According to a statement from Talabani’s office, the meeting, attended by Derbaz Kosrat Rasul, focused on regional developments, bilateral relations, and political cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Türkiye.
Talabani said he conveyed the Kurdistan Region’s and the PUK’s full support for Türkiye’s ongoing peace process, describing it as “an important and historic process” that offers hope for long-term stability. He welcomed the determination of the Turkish government and other parties involved to ensure the initiative succeeds.
The deputy prime minister also expressed the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to cooperate in supporting the new phase of relations, saying stronger ties could expand opportunities for trade, investment, higher education, and tourism, particularly with Sulaymaniyah province.
Addressing regional security, Talabani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s policy of neutrality amid tensions involving the United States and Iran, emphasizing that the Region would not become part of regional conflicts.
“We will not become part of the conflicts and tensions, but will work alongside our partners to preserve peace and stability in the region,” he said, according to the statement.
The discussions also covered the Kurdistan Region’s internal political situation, with Talabani urging political parties to accelerate negotiations on forming the next KRG cabinet in light of changing regional and Iraqi dynamics.
He said the PUK remains committed to participating in a government built on “true partnership,” underscoring the need for an inclusive administration capable of addressing current political and economic challenges.
The visit marks the first high-level trip by senior PUK officials to Ankara in nearly a decade, following a prolonged period of strained relations between the party and Türkiye.
It also comes days after Ibrahim Kalin, head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), visited Sulaymaniyah, where he held talks with PUK President Bafel Talabani and Qubad Talabani. According to the PUK, those discussions focused on the peace process, regional developments, and strengthening bilateral relations based on shared strategic interests.
