Turkish FM to Visit Baghdad to Discuss Bilateral Relations, Regional Security

Given the complex geopolitical challenges in the region, the discussions are expected to highlight Turkey and Iraq’s roles in stabilizing the Middle East.

Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan. (Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra)
Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan. (Photo: AP/Khalil Hamra)

Jan. 25, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistn24) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Baghdad on Sunday to engage in talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, border security, and regional diplomacy.

Key Agendas for the Visit

According to information obtained by Kurdistan24, Fidan’s visit will prioritize a number of central issues, including:

    • Assessing bilateral agreements and promoting stronger ties between Ankara and Baghdad.
    • Consolidation of border security to tackle cross-border challenges and enhance cooperation.
    • Advancing the normalization of relations between Baghdad and Damascus, a vital topic given the fluctuating dynamics in the region.

Fidan’s visit underlines Turkey’s desire to maintain dialogue with Iraq and advance shared interests in security, trade, and regional stability.

Building on Past Agreements

This visit comes less than a year after Fidan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Baghdad and Erbil in April 2024, during which they signed 27 memoranda of understanding covering various sectors.

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Among these, the water agreement stood out as a landmark initiative intended to resolve disputes over water sharing, a long-standing issue between Turkey and Iraq.

Fidan’s imminent talks are likely to follow up on these agreements, ensuring their implementation and exploring further avenues of cooperation.

Strengthening Regional Stability

Given the complex geopolitical challenges in the region, the discussions are expected to highlight Turkey and Iraq’s roles in stabilizing the Middle East.

This includes heightened efforts to secure their shared border and promote cooperation on fighting terrorism.

Moreover, the normalization of relations between Baghdad and Damascus will be a key topic, with Turkey playing a mediating role in this dialogue.

Broader Implications

Fidan’s visit is part of Ankara’s broader strategy to strengthen its regional influence and maintain constructive relations with Iraq, a key partner in trade and security.

The outcomes of this visit will potentially shape future collaboration between the two nations and contribute to the evolving political landscape in the Middle East.