Türkiye’s FM urges Iraq to ensure fair treatment of Turkmens To Avoid Straining Relations with Ankara

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasised the importance of fair treatment for Turkmens in Iraq, warning that any efforts to marginalise the community would negatively impact relations with Ankara.

Speaking on the historical context of regional demographics, Fidan highlighted that Turkish minorities exist in every country bordering Türkiye—a legacy of the Ottoman Empire’s dissolution, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

He noted that these communities have never pursued separatist agendas and instead played constructive roles in their respective societies.

“We believe it is essential that Turkmens are granted all the rights they deserve, just like other communities in Iraq,” Fidan said.

He voiced concern over efforts to demographically displace Turkmens or politically weaken them due to security-related anxieties, describing such moves as targeting not just the Turkmen population but Türkiye itself.

“Let us be clear: trying to suppress a relatively small community through minor political manoeuvres will not bring victory. On the contrary, it will only provoke Türkiye’s ire,” Fidan cautioned. “Instead, Iraq can benefit by using the existing Turkmen population to strengthen its ties with Türkiye.”

The minister stressed that the Turkmens have never been a source of separatism, terrorism, or criminal activity in Iraq. He added that any discriminatory treatment by certain groups is unacceptable and has been raised with relevant authorities.

Fidan concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s continued engagement on the issue and its readiness to defend Turkmens' rights through diplomatic channels.

By Aghakazim Guliyev