Turkey and Iraq Forge Historic Water and Infrastructure Partnership

During an official visit to Baghdad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein signed a groundbreaking cooperation document aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Prior to this event, Minister Fidan was received by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, where the leaders discussed deepening regional collaboration.

At the signing ceremony, Fidan emphasized that the newly inked ‘Mechanism Document for Project Financing’ represents a milestone in the history of Turkey-Iraq cooperation. He highlighted that this initiative will pave the way for the largest infrastructure investment in Iraq’s history, marking a significant step toward practical implementation of earlier agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2024 visit to Baghdad.

The Purpose and Scope of the Agreement

This innovative financing mechanism establishes a system through which the costs of infrastructure and water management projects led by Turkish construction firms will be covered via an arrangement based on oil exports from Iraq. The objective is to enhance Iraq’s water infrastructure and ensure the sustainable use of its diminishing water resources.

Through this approach, both nations aim to promote efficient resource management while reinforcing their strategic partnership. The Framework Agreement signed in April 2024, together with this new financial mechanism, signals a new era of economic strength and mutual trust between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkish companies, in turn, are expected to access wider opportunities across Iraq through large-scale, strategic projects.

Given the increasingly critical issue of water shortages caused by climate change, the agreement demonstrates how regional cooperation can help develop long-term, sustainable solutions for shared environmental challenges.

Security and Regional Stability

Minister Fidan also addressed the importance of regional security during the visit, referring to Turkey’s ongoing ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ initiative. He described recent developments concerning the disbanding of the PKK as a constructive step toward stability in both Turkey and neighboring countries.

Fidan stated that the PKK’s decision to dissolve its structure is a positive sign for the region. He underlined the necessity for the group to fully withdraw from areas in Iraq and Syria, thereby contributing to the restoration of peace and sovereignty across affected territories.

This combination of economic cooperation and security collaboration underscores the shared vision of Turkey and Iraq—building a more interconnected, secure, and prosperous region for the future.

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