Ankara’s decision to grant limited visa liberalization to Iraqi citizens, allowing visa-free travel for those under 15 and over 50 years of age as of September 1, 2024, has been published in the Official Gazette.
According to the decision signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iraqi tourists and travelers transiting the country with a maximum residence of 90 days every six months will be exempt from a visa as of September 1.
The limited visa exemption decision, which was taken in accordance with Article 18 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, was initially announced by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a high-level meeting in Ankara on August 15.
The MoU also includes the creation of a Joint Training and Cooperation Center staffed by generals and officers from both countries at the Bashiqa Base, located in Baghdad, where Turkish and Iraqi personnel will conduct military training and share expertise. The initiative is intended to enhance the capabilities of Iraqi security forces in their efforts to combat terrorism and secure the region.
The agreement, which marks a significant deepening of military collaboration between the two nations, comes after years of strained relations due to Turkey’s military operations against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants based in northern Iraq.
A report by Reuters highlighted that the MoU represents a historic first in military cooperation between Turkey and Iraq. “Through the joint coordination and training centers planned in this agreement, we believe we can take our cooperation to the next level,” Fidan was quoted by Reuters as saying.
The agreement comes after a period of improved relations between Ankara and Baghdad, which have been strained in recent years due to Turkey’s cross-border operations targeting the PKK in Iraq. Iraq has often criticized these operations as violations of its sovereignty, while Turkey has defended them as necessary to protect its national security.
The cooperation framework outlined in the MoU is expected to facilitate more effective joint actions against the PKK and other groups both countries regard as terrorist organizations. Turkey has long urged Iraq to take stronger measures against the PKK.
In March Iraq labeled the group a “banned organization in Iraq” — a move welcomed by Turkey.