ANKARA, Turkey (UPI) -- A preliminary agreement on military cooperation between Iraq and Turkey will lead to further agreements, a Turkish military spokesman said Friday.

Gen. Metin Gurak, speaking at his weekly briefing in Ankara, said the agreement lays the groundwork for more talks and cooperation, the Anatolian News Agency said.

"The memorandum of understanding signed by the two neighboring countries that have historical, cultural and traditional ties will contribute to peace in the Middle East that is still facing negative developments," Gurak said.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed this week by Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Hasan Igsiz for Turkey and Gen. Nasier Abadi for Iraq.

Turkey hopes for more Iraqi support in its fight against the PKK or Kurdistan Workers Party, the report said. The group has sometimes operated against Turkey from bases in the Kurdish region of Iraq.