The management of Baghdad International Airport announced today, Sunday, that a test cannon will be fired in preparation for the arrival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow, Monday. The management stated in an official statement that "the General Company for the Management of Airports and Air Navigation draws the attention of citizens to the fact that a test cannon will be fired in the military sector within Baghdad International Airport, as part of the protocol preparations for the reception of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is scheduled to arrive in Iraq tomorrow."
The statement added that "the launching of 21 artillery shells is considered one of the protocols and inherited rules during the reception ceremonies for high-ranking political figures between countries." Erdogan is set to visit Iraq tomorrow for the first time in 12 years. Turkish newspaper "Hürriyet" reported that the discussions taking place in Baghdad and Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan) are expected to address economic issues, as well as the establishment of a joint operations center for combating terrorism and permanent Turkish bases in northern Iraq, with a depth of 30-40 km, and a security zone in the areas of "Hakurk," "Metina," "Zap," and "Gara," which are key locations for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
