Turkey Strengthens Iraq Ties with Appointment of Special Presidential Envoy
This is not Eroğlu's first involvement in Turkish-Iraqi water diplomacy. He previously served as Turkey's special envoy for water affairs to Iraq, facilitating dialogue on water-sharing issues between the two nations.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on Thursday, appointed Veysel Eroğlu as Turkey's Special Representative to the Republic of Iraq, as announced in the Official Gazette. This appointment underscores Ankara's commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations with Baghdad, particularly concerning water resource management and regional infrastructure projects.
Eroğlu's appointment comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with intensified discussions between Turkey and Iraq over critical initiatives such as the Ovaköy Border Gate and the Development Road project—a $17 billion endeavor aimed at streamlining the transport of goods from the Gulf to Europe via Iraq's Basra port. Eroğlu is expected to present his credentials in Baghdad in the coming weeks and will operate out of Turkey's embassy in the Iraqi capital.
This is not Eroğlu's first involvement in Turkish-Iraqi water diplomacy. He previously served as Turkey's special envoy for water affairs to Iraq, facilitating dialogue on water-sharing issues between the two nations. His reappointment signals a renewed focus on addressing the complex challenges surrounding transboundary water resources, which are vital for both countries' agricultural and energy sectors.
Who is Veysel Eroğlu?
Born on August 18, 1948, in Şuhut, Afyonkarahisar Province, Prof. Dr. Veysel Eroğlu is a seasoned politician and academic. He holds degrees in civil engineering from Istanbul Technical University and in history from Istanbul University. Eroğlu served as the Minister of Environment and Forestry from 2007 to 2011 and as the Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs from 2011 to 2018. Additionally, he has been a Member of Parliament representing Afyonkarahisar for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). His extensive experience in environmental engineering and water management positions him as a key figure in Turkey's efforts to strengthen ties with Iraq.
