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Türkiye-Iraq ties: a cornerstone for regional stability
The relationship between Türkiye and Iraq is poised to become a foundational pillar of stability in the Middle East, emphasized Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al Sudani during his official visit to Ankara on Thursday. Meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the leaders underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in fostering peace, security, and economic progress across the region.
A ceremonial welcome in Ankara
Prime Minister Al Sudani was received with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Accompanied by military honors and the display of both nations’ flags, the leaders marked the significance of this diplomatic encounter. Following the ceremony, the two leaders participated in delegation-level talks, held a one-on-one meeting, and signed a series of bilateral agreements. A joint press conference is expected to outline the outcomes of their discussions.
Türkiye-Iraq relations as a stabilizing force
Ahead of his meetings with Erdoğan, Al Sudani spoke at the “FOCUS: Türkiye-Iraq Relations” program organized by Anadolu Agency. He highlighted his government’s vision for Türkiye-Iraq relations to act as a stabilizing element in a region often fraught with tensions. “We want Türkiye-Iraq ties to be part of the regional stability equation,” Al Sudani remarked, emphasizing the geopolitical importance of collaboration between the two nations.
The Development Road: a transformative vision for the Middle East
Central to their discussions was the ambitious Development Road project, a multi-modal trade corridor designed to link Iraq and Türkiye through railways, highways, ports, and cities. Stretching 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), the project will connect Iraq’s Great Faw Port—slated to become the largest port in the Middle East—to Türkiye’s transportation network. This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate economic integration, and position Iraq as a key transit hub for global trade.
Al Sudani described the Development Road as “one of the most important initiatives in the Middle East,” underscoring its potential to reshape regional economic dynamics. Baghdad remains committed to maintaining momentum on the project in partnership with Ankara.
Strengthened security cooperation
Security was another critical topic on the agenda. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing coordination on counterterrorism, border security, and military cooperation. The two nations have faced mutual security challenges, particularly from the PKK, a terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence in Türkiye and operating from northern Iraq.
In recent months, Iraq has intensified measures against the PKK, including banning the group’s activities, classifying it as a “banned group” in official communications, and establishing two military bases in the Zakho region. These efforts follow last year’s landmark visit by Erdoğan to Iraq, during which both sides signed key security agreements aimed at dismantling terrorist threats.
Joint efforts against terrorism
The ongoing collaboration between Türkiye and Iraq reflects a shared resolve to address terrorism in all its forms. In a joint statement issued after a recent meeting of the High-Level Security Mechanism, the two nations highlighted their determination to combat the PKK and Daesh. Ankara has also conducted several cross-border operations against PKK strongholds in northern Iraq since 2019, though these operations have occasionally strained relations, with Baghdad expressing concerns over sovereignty violations. However, both sides are actively seeking new frameworks to overcome these challenges and deepen their partnership.
A vision for a peaceful future
As Türkiye and Iraq strengthen their ties, their partnership holds promise for a more stable and interconnected Middle East. From the transformative Development Road project to enhanced security cooperation, the two nations are working to foster peace and prosperity not only within their borders but across the broader region.