ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Thursday issued a clarification regarding polemic arising from Turkish criticism of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani's security detail during a recent visit to attend a symposium on the works of a Kurdish poet in the Kurdish-majority southeastern Turkey.

The leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli called the presence of the former Kurdistan Region president's security detail, who were armed and bore patches of the Kurdish flag, a "disgrace," deeming it a deliberate attack on the "dignity, prestige, historical reputation, and sovereign character of the Republic of Turkey."

In response, President Barzani’s office condemned Bahceli’s remarks as “chauvinistic,” saying they “contradicted all norms and served nobody’s interests” and that Barzani’s security detail was present “based on a protocol agreement between the relevant institutions in the Kurdistan Region and Turkey.” 

Turkey’s foreign ministry responded on Wednesday, saying the response from Barzani’s office was “unacceptable” and calling on the KDP “to provide clarification.” 

The KRG responded on Thursday by saying that "different and unwanted interpretations and readings far from the intended purpose have emerged," noting that Barzani's "expression of support for the peace process, as well as the warm welcome he received from official government institutions and the people of the area, are appreciated and commendable."

"What is important is that an exceptional era exists in the relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Kurdistan Region," the statement continued. "The peace process is also a correct step in resolving an important and sensitive issue, and we congratulate the government and ruling parties of Turkey and all parties who have had an influential role in advancing peace and stability in Turkey and the region."

"We deem it necessary for all of us, with each other's cooperation, to make efforts to alleviate concerns and emphasize deepening relations, achieving peace, protecting our common interests, and the stability of the region," the KRG concluded.

President Barzani’s visit to the Cizre district of Turkey’s Kurdish province of Sirnak was to deliver remarks at the fourth International Mullah al-Jaziri Symposium. The event focused on the life, works, and ethics of the Kurdish poet and philosopher Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaziri.

President Barzani has been a key supporter of the Ankara-PKK peace process. During his visit to Cizre, he praised the efforts and reaffirmed his readiness to help advance the initiative.

PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan made a historic call from prison in February, which was subsequently followed by the PKK announcing its intention to lay down its arms and dissolve in May. 

In July, dozens of PKK fighters burned their weapons in a symbolic disarmament ceremony in the Kurdistan Region’s Sulaimani province, and earlier this month, the group announced it would completely withdraw from Turkish soil.