Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Tuesday that Turkey supports and defends Iraq's territorial integrity more than any other country in the region.
Speaking to reporters before his visit to Bulgaria, Davutoğlu said that Turkey has always stood by the central Iraqi administration and underscored that Turkey would be pleased if the central administration had complete control over the country and did not have to send Turkish troops.
Davutoğlu said that he discussed the situation regarding the deployment of Turkish troops in Bashiqa Camp with US Vice President Joe Biden.
"Turkey's policies in Iraq are quite clear and ethical" Davutoğlu said, and added that nobody should question Turkey's goodwill regarding this matter.
"Similarly, Turkey has a principled stance regarding the fight against terrorism" the Prime Minister said, and continued by adding that Turkey continues to fight Daesh and PKK terrorist organizations.
Davutoğlu also underscored that Turkey pays utmost attention to ensure that diplomatic relations proceed in positive manners, and said that he is planning to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Turkey has welcomed the formation in Saudi Arabia of a 34-nation military coalition to fight terrorism, saying that it was the best response to those who want to exploit Islam for their terrorist agendas, underscoring that it was a 'step in the right direction.'
He said that Turkey is ready to contribute in the fight against terrorism, regardless of the identity and goals of the terrorists.
On December 4, 150 Turkish soldiers equipped with heavy weapons arrived on the outskirts of the Daesh-held Mosul province in Northern Iraq to train forces, while Baghdad demanded the withdrawal of soldiers. Iraq on Sunday, gave Turkey a 48 hour ultimatum to withdraw the forces or face "all available options."
Turkey said the 150 soldiers and up to 25 tanks were stationed at Bashiqa to protect servicemen training Iraqi volunteers to fight Daesh.
The training mission has been in operation since March and is not assigned combat duties.
PM Davutoğlu previously sent a letter to his Iraqi counterpart Haider Al-Abadi in which he emphasized Turkey's commitment to cooperation with Iraq, and said, "We will not deploy more troops to Bashiqa until your concerns about the matter are assuaged."
According to the statement released by the Prime Ministry on Sunday, Davutoğlu informed Al-Abadi about the military training program currently in progress in Bashiqa, duties and activities of Turkish soldiers and current developments about the matter.
