Politics

KRG President welcomes Turkish president Erdogan's historic visit to Erbil

President Barzani also underscored the various “pressing issues” that are going to be discussed with the Turkish president, ranging from peace, stability to economic development.

Kurdistan 24 2024/04/22 14:40

The photo shows Erbil's 100 M. street adorned with Kurdish, Turkish and Iraqi flags, April 22. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan KRG President Nechirvan Barzani Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Erbil Visit

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – KRG’s President Nechirvan Barzani has posted a message on his social media account X about the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Erbil on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Describing the visit as “historic”, President Barzani highlights the importance of such visit which “comes at a critical time” in the region.

“It highlights the strong political, economic and security ties between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Türkiye,” he reaffirms.

President Barzani also underscored the various “pressing issues” that are going to be discussed with the Turkish president, ranging from peace, stability to economic development.

President @RTErdogan’s historic visit to Baghdad and Erbil comes at a critical time in the region. It highlights the strong political, economic and security ties between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Türkiye. I look forward to welcoming President Erdogan to Erbil and to…
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) April 22, 2024

President Erdogan’s visit had been scheduled in advance and it was announced on April 16 that as part of the visit’s itinerary, the Turkish president would also make a stop in Erbil.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Baghdad on Monday for a state visit, where he held 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 were 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 are 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.