On August 1, 2014, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu met with Arshad Salihi, Head of Iraqi Turkmen Front on 1 August, 2014.

Speaking at the joint press conference following the meeting Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “The perpetuity and peace of our Turkmen brethren is one of the priorities of Turkey. This has always been the case and always will be”.

Underlining that the unity among Iraqi Turkmens also means unity in Iraq, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that they held consultations on four main issues with Mr. Salihi.

Stating that it is Turkey’s one of the main priorities that the needs of Iraqi Turkmens are met regardless of their nature or quantity, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “There are no Turkmens that Turkey has hesitated to help”.

Stating that the sectarian policies pursued in Iraq cause the dissolution of Iraq, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized the importance of preventing the fragmentation of Turkmens within the framework of their sectarian differences. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that they reviewed steps which can be taken to bring Turkmens together around their Turkmen and Iraqi identities.

Stressing that it is of utmost importance that Iraqi Turkmens as an integral part of Iraq should participate in the formation process of the new government in Iraq after the recent elections Foreign Minister Davutoğlu noted that this also is necessary for the stability of Iraq.

Maintaining that they have also exchanged views on the recent developments and crises in the region, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “Due to our close relations with all sects and groups in the region, we will continue to pursue a policy that embraces all parts of Iraqi society”.

On the other hand, Arshad Salihi, Head of Iraqi Turkmen Front thanked Foreign Minister Davutoğlu for changing his schedule with a view to receiving him and said that Turkmens and other minorities are integral parts of Iraq. Salihi stated that the territorial integrity of Iraq is to the benefit of all groups in Iraq.