Article by H.E. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Published in African Press, on 11 November 2015 Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the MERI (Middle East Research Institute) Forum, 4 November 2015, Erbil Full transcript of Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu’s interview to CNN International on 27 October 2015 Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the 8th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit Meeting, 14 October 2015, Istanbul Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the High Level Meeting On Libya, 2 October 2015, New York Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Settlement of Conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa and Countering the Terrorist Threat in the Region”, 30 September 2015, New York Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the Re-thinking the International Response to the Biggest Crisis of Our Times – How to Respond Better to Growing and Evolving Needs”, 29 September 2015, New York Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, 27 September 2015, New York Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, During the Victims of Ethnic and Religious Persecution in the Middle East – Conference, 8 September 2015, Paris
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Speech by H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the MERI (Middle East Research Institute) Forum, 4 November 2015, Erbil

Mr. Prime Minister,
Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be back again in Erbil.

I have visited many times in the past but this is a first, as the Foreign Minister of Turkey.

Every time I come, I see changes for the better. What you have achieved here is nothing short of a miracle.

We are, as ever, determined to maintain and increase our support to you in your endeavors to attain more growth, development and stability.

It is a pleasure for me to participate in this meeting organized by MERI and address such a distinguished audience.

These occasions are important as they enable us to deliberate together on the many issues on our common agenda, listen to one another, hear different points of view and help understand differing perspectives. Such honest dialogue helps us devise solutions to our common problems and successfully overcome challenges. It is through such free exchanges that we can make our region more stable, secure and prosperous.

Iraq has, sadly and for so many years, experienced turmoil. It has faced numerous new crises in the recent past, which have also had global repercussions. In the case of Turkey, the impact of these crises have directly affected our economy, security and stability.

The occupation of one third of Iraq, and also vast areas of Syria, by DEASH has undoubtedly created one of the most serious challenge. It has threatened our security and, although the DEASH advance has been checked with the support of the international effort which we are a part of, the threat is far from over. On the contrary, DEASH continues to constitute a clear and present threat, aimed directly at our way of life, our security, prosperity and stability.

The KRG has been in the fight, ever since the DEASH threat emerged. The KRG still continues to counter this terrorist organization, on a thousand kilometer front line, and has lost more than 1.300 Peshmerga in this struggle. This is no small sacrifice, and we commend your determination in facing down this terrible danger.

The stellar success witnessed over the past decade, which has turned Erbil and the KRG into a beacon of hope for the rest of Iraq and the broader region has understandably taken an unexpected turn, due to this serious security crisis. However, we are ever confident that the KRG continues to possess all the necessary means and capabilities, as well as the resolve, to continue on its path to cementing sustainable development, stability, security and more prosperity under the leadership of President Mesut Barzani and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

We are convinced that the people of the KRG have the necessary vision, strong determination and the requisite ingenuity to steer this region back to the right track, and once again, assume its rightful role as a locomotive, that can lead Iraq out of the dire straits it is in.

In moving forward, the widespread implementation of well planned, inclusive political steps that will help to win back alienated segments of Iraqi society will be crucial. Only then can we begin to successfully peel away support from DEASH. Complementing these policies with well planned and executed military operations will also be vital. Through such a combined effort, DEASH, together with the radical, extremist and twisted mentality it represents, can be defeated and eradicated for good from our region.

As before, Turkey stands together with Iraq and the KRG in the fight against DEASH. We are determined to continue our military and humanitarian assistance that has started from the very beginning of the crisis. As a country that has suffered immensely from terrorism for so many years and one that hosts more than 2 million refugees, no other country understands the undue burden that 1,7 million IDPs and refugees, as well as the war effort against DEASH creates on the KRG.

Rest assured that, Turkey is steadfast in its support for Iraq and the KRG in the fight against terrorism. We will continue our assistance to ease the suffering of so many IDPs and refugees, who have become victims of a vicious terrorist organization.

We are also resolved to further improve our economic cooperation in every way. This will bolster the unshakable foundation on which our partnership continues to thrive. By developing the means to serve our peoples better, we will also be able to more effectively shoulder the burden that the extraordinary circumstances have put on our shoulders.

In short, let me leave you with one simple message. Turkey is fully committed to assist Iraq and the KRG in every way. We will stand with you as you march toward the bright future you absolutely deserve.