Turkey is closely monitoring recent developments in the Altunköprü district of Kirkuk province, Iraq, amid ongoing protests by the Turkmen community. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Öncü Keçeli, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in Kirkuk as a key factor for Iraq's overall security. Turkey has called for fair and adequate representation of Turkmens within Iraq's political and governmental institutions, expressing concern over the appointment of non-Turkmen officials in Altunköprü, which has sparked backlash among local Turkmens. The Turkish government regards appropriate Turkmen inclusion in state structures as one of its primary aspirations.