Pointing out that after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, there were Turkish minorities in all countries bordering Turkiye, Fidan said that these communities were never involved in separatist movements but in fact, played a constructive role.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, in an interview with Iraq's UTV television channel.

Fidan said: “Thus, we think it is essential that Turkmens are given all the rights they deserve as respected sons of Iraq. Just like the rights given to all peoples."

Fidan said that the demographic exile of Turkmens due to historical reasons and their weakening due to political concerns in the places where they are located is “a structure that targets Turkiye, not Turkmens.” He added: "But we always say: 'Look, the steps you will take by trying to win over a relatively small community there with such small games will not lead you to victory; on the contrary, you will attract the anger of Türkiye more. Instead, you can use the existing Turkmen population to strengthen ties with Turkiye."

Stressing that Turkmens have never been a source of separatism, terrorism, or crime in Iraq, Fidan said it is unacceptable for some groups to treat Turkmens differently and that they have conveyed their concerns to the necessary authorities and discussed them intensively.