ANKARA - Turkish delegation led by Osman Koruturk, the Turkish Special Envoy to Iraq, met Patriotic Union of Iraqi Kurdistan (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani in Iraq on Friday.
The meeting, which took place upon request of Talabani, focused on the relations between Turkey and Iraq, and future of Kurdish alliance.
Speaking at the meeting, Talabani highlighted importance of protection of Iraq's territorial integrity, noting that it would be in favor of Iraqi Kurds.
Pointing out that he did not consider movements of independence in Iraq realistic, Talabani said that such movements would decrease after their roles in Iraq increased.
Noting that they did not want foundation of a religious state in Iraq, Talabani said that Turkey constituted a significant model for the future of Iraq with its democratic and secular structure.
Extending their support to Turkey's EU membership process, Talabani said that an EU-member Turkey would open the gates of the Western world to them.
Talabani called on Turkey to further develop its economic cooperation with Iraq.
Stressing that Kirkuk should be a ''city of fellowship'' in which Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen people and the other groups would live together, Talabani said that they considered the model of Brussels for Kirkuk.
He said that Kirkuk's status would be determined with social compromise of residents of the city.
Referring to the terrorist organization of PKK, Talabani said that their fight against the terrorist organization would continue, and that they would not allow PKK to pose a threat.
Noting that Turkmen people made great contributions to Iraq, Talabani said that Turkmen people should not feel themselves excluded. He noted that they would give priority to provide Turkmen people with assistance.
Meanwhile, Turkish delegation reiterated Turkey's concerns about Iraq, Kirkuk and the terrorist organization of PKK.
The delegation stressed that they considered a democratic Iraq a significant strategic partner for bilateral and regional cooperation.
Highlighting importance of protection of Iraq's territorial integrity for the whole region, the delegation underlined that stability and balances in the region would be harmed otherwise.
Stressing that Kirkuk was an international matter, and that its status should be preserved, the delegation recalled that Arabs had also some concerns about Kirkuk.
The delegation conveyed answer of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the letter of Talabani.
In his letter, Talabani said that they targeted to further develop cooperation with Turkey in the new period, and that they aimed to remove some misunderstandings between the parties.
In response, Prime Minister Erdogan highlighted importance of establishment of a democratic structure in Iraq, and added that Turkey would continue supporting Iraq.
Meanwhile, sources said that opening of a Turkish consulate general in Mosul was brought onto agenda after foundation of the new government in Iraq.
The delegation is formed by officials of Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish General Staff and Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT).