Iraqi PM Abadi arrives in Turkey

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi arrived in Turkey on Wednesday.

During his visit, Abadi will address boosting the cooperation between Turkey and Iraq in contribution to regional peace, stability and security, and the recent developments following the illegitimate referendum held in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Sept. 25 and possible joint steps regarding the matter.

Iraqi government forces on Oct. 16 captured the oil city of Kirkuk, reciprocating to an independence referendum held by the KRG last month.

Iraqis in KRG-held areas -- and in several areas disputed between Baghdad and Erbil -- voted on whether to declare independence from Iraq.

The illegitimate referendum was heavily criticized by most regional and international actors, with many warning it would distract from Iraq’s ongoing fight against terrorism and further destabilize the already volatile region.