Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani held talks in Baghdad on security, economic, and energy cooperation. During a joint news conference, Erdogan stated that they discussed steps to be taken against the PKK armed group and commended Iraq’s decision to designate the PKK as a banned organization. Erdogan emphasized his belief that the PKK’s presence in Iraq would come to an end soon. Cooperation on security and combating terrorism was a key focus of the discussions.
The PKK, recognized as a terrorist group by Ankara and its allies, operates in northern Iraq. Turkey has conducted operations against the PKK in northern Iraq since 2019. Al-Sudani mentioned that both countries agreed to address non-state armed actors that could collaborate with terrorist groups. They signed a strategic framework agreement covering security, energy, and economic cooperation, along with a 10-year deal on water resource management to ensure Iraq receives its fair share.
During Erdogan’s visit, a preliminary agreement was signed for the $17 billion Development Road project. They also discussed expanding trade and cooperation in energy, health, and tourism. Erdogan mentioned that 24 memorandums of understanding were signed during his trip, expressing confidence that the agreements would mark a new phase in Turkey-Iraq relations.
Erdogan also met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, discussing expectations for Iraq in counterterrorism efforts, particularly against the PKK. He urged all parties to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East amid heightened regional conflicts involving Israel and Iran.
Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq reached $19.9 billion in 2023, slightly lower than the previous year. Turkish exports to Iraq increased in the first quarter of 2024, while imports decreased. Erdogan was set to visit Erbil next, where discussions with Iraqi Kurdish officials would focus on trade and security matters.