Turkish foreign minister has said Ankara will always stand by its southern neighbor Iraq in its fight against terrorism, Today's Zaman reported.
Ahmet Davutoglu's remarks came during a joint press conference with Iraqi Turkmen Front leader Arshad Salihi, who survived an assassination attempt last week. Davutoglu expressed regret over the attack, adding that the security of Turkmens, their participation in political system and their economic prosperity is an indispensable element of the Iraqi politics.
"We always stand by Iraq in its struggle against terrorism," Davutoglu stressed.
The foreign minister noted that Turkmens are founding elements of the war-torn country rather than the temporary part of the country. He urged the Turkmens to preserve their language in education and local administrations, adding that this is important for Iraq's unity and integrity.