Written question asked by Andrew Bridgen (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 May 2024. It was answered by Nusrat Ghani (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iraq: Turkey

Question: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has had discussions with his Turkish counterpart on recent Turkish military operations in Sinjar.

Answer: The UK recognises Turkey's right to self-defence, while fully supporting Iraq's territorial integrity. We encourage restraint from activity that could lead to loss of civilian life, or damage to civilian infrastructure. We welcome recent high-level engagement between both countries, including President Erdoğan's visit to Iraq on 22 April. As a close NATO ally, we regularly engage Turkey on regional stability. The UK Ambassador to Turkey discussed this issue with Turkey's Director General for South Asia on 27 March as did the UK National Security Advisor with his Turkish counterpart in London on 11 April.

Secondary information