ISTANBUL, Saturday, May 9, 2026 (WNP): President of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Masrour Barzani at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office, where the two sides discussed the latest regional developments.

During the meeting, Erdoğan expressed sorrow over the targeting of Iraqi territories, including Erbil, amid tensions linked to the conflict between the United States and Iran.

He said Türkiye did not want the conflicts in the region to spread to other countries and reaffirmed Ankara’s solidarity with the Kurdistan Regional Government during the ongoing situation.

Erdoğan stressed that preserving stability in Iraq was important for the entire region and said the prompt establishment of the central government would serve Iraq’s unity and cohesion.

The Turkish president said Ankara was determined to enhance cooperation with both the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in areas including trade, transportation and energy.

He added that implementation of the Development Road Project would bring significant benefits not only to Iraq but also to the Gulf region.

Erdoğan also said Türkiye remained determined to successfully conclude the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process and emphasized Ankara’s desire for peace and stability both within the country and across neighbouring states.