Turkish President to meet Iraqi PM in Baghdad, key agreements expected

Kurdistan 24 2024/04/22 09:05

Iraqi Prime Minster Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (L) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R). (Photo: AP)

Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Recep Tayyip Erdogan Iraq-Turkey Pipeline Resumption of Oil Exports Water Sharing Iraq

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to arrive in Baghdad on Monday for a state visit, where he will hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The visit, which underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Turkey and Iraq, is poised to address critical issues of mutual interest and cooperation.

Upon his arrival, President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation will be received by Prime Minister al-Sudani, followed by a formal reception at the Presidential Salam Palace with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rasheed.

As part of his itinerary, President Erdogan is scheduled to pay homage to the Ottoman era cemetery in the al-Azamiah neighborhood of Baghdad, highlighting the historical ties between Turkey and Iraq.

Central to the discussions between President Erdogan and Prime Minister al-Sudani will be the resumption of Kurdistan Region's oil exports through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline (ITP) via the Ceyhan port. The negotiations aim to address logistical and economic considerations while fostering greater cooperation in the energy sector.

Additionally, the issue of water sharing plans for the Tigris River, in accordance with international treaties, is expected to feature prominently in the discussions. Both sides seek to find equitable solutions that ensure sustainable water management and mitigate potential disputes.

Iraqi Government Spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi has confirmed the preliminary preparations for President Erdogan's visit, highlighting the significance of the occasion. Over 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding are slated to be signed, reflecting the breadth and depth of bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Iraq.

While President Erdogan's visit unfolds, interested parties anticipate substantive outcomes that advance the shared interests of both countries and foster stability and prosperity in the region.

The upcoming state visit of Turkish President Erdogan to Baghdad underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges and promoting bilateral cooperation. Against the backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics, Turkey and Iraq seek to strengthen ties and enhance collaboration on key issues of mutual interest.

The resumption of Kurdistan Region's oil exports through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline and water sharing arrangements for the Tigris River represent critical areas of discussion, highlighting the interconnectedness of energy security and water management in the region.

On Feb. 26, the Kurdistan24 correspondent in Ankara reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would visit Iraq after Turkish local elections on March 31.

On March 21, 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani visited Turkey and met with the Turkish President in Ankara, where they discussed the water crisis.

Turkey and Iraq enjoy lucrative economic ties. It was reported that in the year 2022, the two countries traded $15 billion in goods, an overwhelming part of which was transported through the Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) border near the Zakho independent administration of the Kurdistan Region.