Iran and Turkey Emphasize 'Common Positions on the Kurdistan Region Referendum'

The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces states that Iran and Turkey have 'common and identical positions' regarding the 'Kurdistan Region referendum.' Major General Mohammad Baqeri emphasized that both countries do not accept the referendum. According to ISNA news agency, Mohammad Hossein Baqeri announced after a meeting with Hulusi Akar, the Chief of the Turkish Army, in a press conference about joint negotiations with his Turkish counterpart concerning 'combating terrorism in the region and securing the common borders,' stating that 'appropriate decisions have been made.' This meeting took place two days before Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Tehran, scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, where he will meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, and Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran. The Turkish state news agency quoted Erdogan as saying that the 'High Council for Strategic Cooperation of the two countries' will convene during this visit to discuss the 'situation in northern Iraq.' Erdogan noted that after his meetings with Khamenei and Rouhani, 'we will seriously outline the roadmap.' The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on Sunday, October 1, quoting Ahmad Alireza Beigi, the head of the Iran-Turkey parliamentary friendship group, stating that 'Iran and Turkey are two major regional powers,' and Erdogan's visit 'could help bring the positions of the two countries closer in various fields.' The Chief of the Turkish General Staff has traveled to Tehran at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart. Mohammad Hossein Baqeri had previously met with Erdogan and other government and military officials in Turkey on August 16. Iran and Turkey, alongside the central government of Iraq, the United States, and several other countries, had previously expressed their opposition to the referendum. Officials from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on the other hand, have emphasized the vote, stating that the ultimate way to protect Kurdish citizens is the independence of this region. Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces described the visit of his Turkish counterpart as a continuation of 'military cooperation between the two countries,' stating that 'based on the negotiations held, the armed forces of the two countries will now have more cooperation in training issues, participating in joint exercises, and securing their borders.' According to Tasnim news agency, the Chief of the Turkish Army also stated, 'In addition to political and economic relations, we will also try to expand military relations.' Hulusi Akar emphasized that Iran and Turkey have reached 'agreements,' especially in the areas of combating terrorism and border security.