Baghdad and Erbil Reach 17-Point Strategic Accord to Secure Borders and Eliminate Security Gaps

The Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have reached a comprehensive joint security agreement comprising approximately 17 strategic points aimed at enhancing national stability and sovereignty ahead of the withdrawal of international coalition forces.

The agreement was finalized during a high-level meeting bringing together senior federal security officials and representatives from the Peshmerga and security entities in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Key measures include activating joint coordination mechanisms to close security voids vulnerable to terrorist remnants and smuggling networks, conducting a full audit of border crossings to shut down unofficial points, and reinforcing border controls along the Iraqi-Turkish border. Additionally, both sides agreed to streamline intelligence sharing to pursue fugitives, enforce residency laws regarding illegal foreign labor, and expand joint operations against drug trafficking networks.