Mohammed Samaan Agha, newly elected Turkmen governor of Iraq’s Kirkuk, visited the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on Monday. Agha met the party’s deputy chair, Kürşad Zorlu, who announced that the province would join the Union of Turkic World Municipalities soon.
For his part, Agha lauded President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strong policies in the region, which “led to the election of a Turkmen governor in Kirkuk.”
Zorlu emphasized that Kirkuk is a highly important center and a significant symbol of Iraq–Türkiye relations. “Under the leadership of our President, we have taken very important steps in our relations with Iraq. In particular, the Development Road Project has been one of the most important milestones in our relations. Security and stability are among the key issues for Kirkuk. Kirkuk is a center where everyone should live in peace and tranquility. Ensuring Kirkuk’s security and peace means ensuring Iraq’s security and peace. Therefore, every step taken in our region that serves its stability and security is very important.”
Pointing out that the appointment of a Turkmen governor in Kirkuk was a promising development for peace and harmony in the city and for its future, Zorlu said, “No matter how much some people try to create division and polarization, peace has prevailed in Kirkuk. In Kirkuk, not only Turkmens but all those living there, regardless of origin or sect, have benefited from the city’s opportunities. We are pleased to see this and derive great satisfaction from it.”
