Turkey, Iraq to hold high-level talks on security, energy in Baghdad, Ankara says

FILE PHOTO: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivers his speech during a press conference during an official visit in Tirana, Albania, January 29, 2024. REUTERS/Florion Goga/File Photo

ANKARA (Reuters) - Senior officials from Turkey and Iraq will meet in Baghdad on Thursday to discuss energy cooperation, as well as security and defence matters, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Ties between the neighbours have been rocky in recent years as Ankara has ramped up cross-border operations against Kurdish PKK militants based in northern Iraq's mountainous regions. Iraq has said the operations violate its sovereignty, but Ankara says it must protect itself and has warned of a new incursion.