Turkey shows great sensitivity towards Kirkuk. One of Turkey's sensitivities towards Kirkuk is due to the presence of Turkmen population in Kirkuk. Playing an active role in status problem of Kirkuk especially after 2003, Turkey clearly expresses its view on pursuing the balance in Kirkuk at every platform.
However, Turkey's interest in Kirkuk is not only limited with its current policies. Turkish officials have strived to show their interest in Kirkuk and the local community as much as possible within the bounds of its policy and diplomacy. Even though it is not clearly known in the public opinion, many Turkish statesmen have paid visits to Kirkuk from past to present.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu's Kirkuk visit on 2 August 2012 is the first visit made by Turkish officials since the then-Foreign Minister İhsan Sabri Çağlayangil's visit in 1976. In addition, the fact that Davutoğlu paid this visit in a very critical period increases its importance.
