By Haydar Karaalp</p> <p>BAGHDAD (AA) – Fatih Yildiz, the Turkish ambassador to Iraq, said Friday that Ankara had begun talks with Baghdad with a view to opening consulates in Iraq’s Kirkuk and Najaf provinces.</p> <p>In an interview with Anadolu Agency, the Turkish diplomat said that both Kirkuk and Najaf were of “huge importance” to Turkey.</p> <p>"We have taken this step, which has been planned for a very long time, and sent official requests to the Iraqi authorities to open consulates in both provinces,” Yildiz said. </p> <p>"Both provinces are important in terms of bilateral relations. Once the consulates are opened, we will open visa application centers as well," he said.</p> <p>The diplomat went on to note that a visa application center would be set up in Kirkuk before the planned consulate opens its doors.</p> <p>"Due to its large Turkmen community, Kirkuk is an exceptional city that has deep historical links with Turkey,” he said. “Kirkuk’s Arabs, Kurds and Christians also have a long-established history — and positive relations — with Turkey."</p> <p>Noting that he had visited Kirkuk twice in recent months, Yildiz said the local people he had spoken with welcomed the prospect of a Turkish consulate in their city.</p> <p>"The consulate will also serve as a coordination center for Turkish investment projects in Kirkuk," he added.</p> <p>Yildiz also pointed out that Iraq's Najaf province was of great importance to both Iraq and the wider Islamic community.</p> <p>"Najaf is the land of the Ahl al-Bayt [an Arabic term that refers to the family of the Prophet Muhammad]. It is also important in terms of pilgrimages and religious tourism,” he said. </p> <p>“A significant number of Turkish citizens travel to these provinces each year. It’s important that we provide consular services in these areas, with which we have a deep connection," he added.</p> <p>Yildiz stressed that both Najaf and Karbala — a neighboring and religiously important city in central Iraq — also represent important commercial and economic hubs for Iraq. </p> <p>“An active Turkish presence in these provinces will contribute to enhanced relations between Ankara and Baghdad,” the diplomat said.</p> <p><br>
*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara
