In first in 13 years, Erdogan to visit Iraq Monday; 20 deals in sight

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Apr 2024 11:10

Ankara and Baghdad are anticipated to finalize a strategic framework agreement during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during talks at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, March 8, 2024. (AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit Baghdad on Monday, marking his first trip to Iraq since 2011.

The upcoming visit will reportedly address various bilateral matters, spanning from water resources to the supply of natural gas and oil to Turkey.

Of particular interest is Ankara's anticipation to reach an agreement with Baghdad regarding the resumption of operations for the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, which has been inactive since March 2023.

The itinerary for the visit will additionally cover security concerns, with Turkey aiming to garner Iraq's backing in its efforts against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The Turkish leader is also slated to visit Erbil for discussions with Kurdish authorities. Moreover, Ankara and Baghdad are anticipated to finalize a strategic framework agreement during Erdogan's trip.

Iraq, Turkey to Ink 20+ Agreements During Erdogan's Baghdad Visit – Gov’t

Iraqi government Spokesperson Basem al-Awadi said as quoted by Sputnik on Monday that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are anticipated to finalize more than 20 agreements during Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Iraq.

"We will have signed an important strategic agreement related to water resources, water scarcity crisis, water investments ... In total more than 20 memorandums of understanding will be signed," al-Awadi said.

He also noted that the leaders will address security concerns, specifically focusing on the presence of Turkish troops in Iraq and the actions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) within Iraqi borders. Additionally, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet indicated on Sunday that Ankara and Baghdad were likely to conclude discussions on establishing a joint operations center to combat the PKK and to reach an agreement on establishing a security zone along the Turkish-Iraqi border during Erdogan’s visit.