Türkiye’s Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci met his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss counterterrorism, organised crime, border security and irregular migration, according to an official statement.
The meeting focused on dismantling affiliates of the PKK/KCK terror organisation operating under different names and in different regions following the group’s dissolution and disarmament as part of the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process.
The ministers also discussed security risks linked to the PKK affiliate PJAK and the fight against what Ciftci described as “new-generation organised crime groups”.
Ciftci said coordination between Türkiye and Iran was important in combating terrorism and transnational crime. He added that the dismantling of PKK affiliates in Syria and Iraq was important for regional peace and said the process should also include PJAK.
Ciftci said Türkiye had conducted 1,592 operations against 562 organised crime groups this year, including 78 groups involved in drug trafficking. He said 32,848 people had been arrested in 38,915 drug operations in 2026, with 36 tonnes of drugs seized.
The ministers also discussed extradition and deportation procedures, with Ciftci calling for closer cooperation between the countries’ Interpol units.
He said Türkiye was closely following extradition requests from Iran and was working within the law to expedite cases.
Migration, border security
The two ministers also discussed measures against irregular migration, human trafficking networks and migrant smugglers.
Ciftci said Türkiye and Iran should coordinate border measures and increase information sharing to address irregular migration and transnational crime.
Momeni stressed the countries’ historical ties and the need for greater cooperation on terrorism, organised crime and border security.
Congratulating Türkiye on the dissolution of the PKK terror group, Momeni said Türkiye, Iraq, Iran and Syria should work together on a lasting resolution.
“There can be no peace without laying down arms. The PKK, PJAK, and all their branches must end their existence and lay down their weapons,” Momeni said.
He also called for greater cooperation on extradition, particularly in drug-related cases, and urged closer coordination through Interpol to combat smuggling and terrorism.
“Border security is important. We want to cooperate against illegal irregular migration. We are ready to cooperate against human smuggling gangs on the Türkiye-Iran border,” he said.
