SULAIMANI (ESTA) — President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Bafel Talabani Saturday received Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammed Al-Abasi in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, where they discussed military-related issues, a statement from his office said.
In a meeting, Talabani and Abasi discussed the latest military and security developments. They also touched upon the measures to uproot the ISIS remnants, the office added in the statement.
The officials stressed the support and coordination between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army, particularly in the disputed territories that suffer from a security vacuum for preserving the region’s security.
President Talabani shed the light on the importance of the relations between both military sides. “The security situation of Iraq seeks coordination as well as assistance between all of us for the sake of protecting our country and people,” he said.
Moreover, the officials elaborated on several joint projects, aiming at improving their relations and increasing military actions.
Both sides have agreed that protecting the people and combating terror must be their priorities, according to the statement.
Apart from this, President Talabani on the same day but separately met Iraqi Minister of Interior Abdul Amir Al-Shammari.
Talabani’s meeting with Shammari echoed the same phrases that were expressed amid the meeting with the Defense Minister, emphasizing military coordination.
However, some talks were made on stressing the rule of law and the execution of the court decisions as well as further intelligence coordination between both sides.
“Coordination and cooperation between our forces are a major prominent factor for stability and security in the country,” and “both sides must support each other in combating terror and outlaws,” Talabani told Shammari.
“Our previous joint activities in the past, detaining the terrorists as well as outlaws, are indicators of the fact that we can make serious practical steps to protect the people and the rule of law in the country,” Talabani added.
