UPDATE – ‘Turkey’s Iraq policy based on territorial integrity’

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH, IRAQI PRESIDENTS</p> <p>By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Securing Iraq's political unity and territorial integrity as well as ensuring its stability and security are the basis of Turkey's policy on Iraq, the Turkish president said on Thursday.</p> <p>Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih in Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Iraq standing on its own two feet is very important for regional security and stability.</p> <p>Erdogan said terror groups like Daesh, the PKK, and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) pose threats to both Turkey and Iraq, and the two countries should cooperate in fighting terror.</p> <p>He said Iraq had triumphed in its fight with Daesh, but at a heavy cost, as thousands of Iraqis were martyred and Daesh razed culture and civilization to the ground.</p> <p>&quot;Turkey gave firm support to Iraq for that tough fight,&quot; Erdogan said.</p> <p>&quot;We are ready to contribute to infrastructure and development projects in Iraq — reconstruction of places harmed by conflicts being the priority,&quot; Erdogan said.</p> <p>Turkey wants to boost security cooperation with Iraq, Erdogan said, adding: &quot;There's a lot we can do with Iraq in the defense industry.&quot;</p> <p>He said Turkey’s biggest expectation from the new Iraqi government is ensuring the welfare and well-being of all Iraqis.</p> <p>Erdogan said in 2013 Turkey and Iraq hit a bilateral trade volume of $16 billion, a record level, but they could reach that level again and even get as high as $20 billion.</p> <p>He added that this year Turkey and Iraq will continue holding High-Level Strategic Council meetings.</p> <p> </p> <p> – Turkish-Iraqi relations 'in full solidarity'</p> <p>Iraq's Barham Salih, for his part, said his country is about to &quot;enter a new phase.&quot;</p> <p>He said reconstruction will make Iraq a strong country in the region again and that he was visiting “brother” nation Turkey &quot;with the aim of cooperation in every field.&quot;</p> <p>Iraq expects Turkey's help in reconstructing regions of the country free of the grip of terrorists, he said.</p> <p>&quot;I am visiting brotherly country Turkey with the aim of cooperation in every field,” Salih said, adding that relations with Turkey will be &quot;shoulder to shoulder, in full solidarity.&quot; </p> <p>He also said it is important for the Syrian people to choose their fate of their own free will, adding: &quot;Turkey's and Iraq's roles play a big part in a solution.&quot;</p> <p>