Statement from the Ministry of National Defense on Bashika-Zilkan, Eastern Mediterranean and C-130J

The following statements were used in the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense:

(Regarding Iraq Bashiqa-Zilkan Campus) We welcome the recent steps taken by the Central Iraqi Government to establish state authority in Sinjar.

Upon the request of the Iraqi authorities since 2015, it has been decided that the Bashiqa-Zilkan Campus, which has been used by the Turkish Armed Forces within the scope of the fight against the DAESH terrorist organization, will be gradually handed over to the Iraqi authorities in line with the agreed mechanism and timeline, within the framework of the progress made by the Central Iraqi Government's security practices in Sinjar.

Our country stands by our neighbor Iraq today, as it did yesterday, in ensuring the security environment and stability in the region. Iraqi Armed Forces within the framework of bilateral agreements; We will continue to provide support in the areas of increasing military capacity, sharing experience/expertise in the fight against terrorism, military training and defense industry cooperation.

(Regarding the electrical cable route between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus) In accordance with international law, any cable/pipe laying or scientific research activities to be carried out on our continental shelf must be coordinated in advance with our country, which is a coastal state. Our country will not allow any unauthorized activity on our continental shelf within the framework of its rights and authorities arising from being a coastal state in the Eastern Mediterranean.

(Regarding the Mecca Defense Alliance) Within the scope of the Mecca Defense Alliance, the Chiefs of General Staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey held a meeting in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on 25 September. Ways of furthering cooperation between the armed forces of the three countries, increasing military coordination and capability integration were discussed, and issues of strengthening deterrence and collective defense were discussed.

MILITARY PASSAGE IN THE Greek Cypriot side

(Regarding the military parade held in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus) The military parade held in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus was followed closely. It is clear that the provocative actions carried out by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus and Greece do not contribute to the efforts to establish mutual trust on the Island, but on the contrary, increase the tension and damage the atmosphere of stability.

(Regarding the Procurement of C130-J from the United Kingdom) The agreement regarding the supply of 12 C-130J aircraft from the United Kingdom was signed between the two countries.