Barzani calls for increased coop. in time of "imminent change"

ISTANBUL, Aug 24 (KUNA) -- President of Iraq's Kurdistan region Masoud Barzani said on Wednesday that his ongoing visit to Turkey comes at a time of increased cooperation as turmoil grips the region.
In a televised speech in the Turkish capital Ankara, Barzani said that the region is at the cusp of major change, noting that the autonomous northern Iraqi region and Turkey "have agreed to work together to fight the so-called Islamic State (IS)." Moreover, he added that his visit comes "at the behest of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan." Speaking on meetings held with Turkish officials, Barzani said the discussions "tackled ways to enhance bilateral ties in economic, security and political realms." He also added that he discussed with Turkish officials schools in Kurdistan that are associated with Fethullah Gulen, the renowned Turkish Islamic scholar Ankara blames for the failed military coup in July. (end) ta.nam