Iraqi and Turkish Foreign Ministers Emphasize Cooperation in Water, Energy, and Security
The foreign ministers of Iraq and Turkey, in a joint press conference in Baghdad, announced that a historic memorandum of understanding on the management of water resources between the two countries will soon be signed.
Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, stated: “Iraq has strong historical and geographical ties with Turkey, and soon a memorandum of understanding on the management of water resources between the two countries will be signed.” He added that, in addition to the issue of water, the two countries also have cooperation based on common interests in the fields of trade, economy, energy, and other areas.
Referring to his intensive talks with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Hussein said: “Previously, we held extensive meetings on water in Ankara and reached agreements that have now taken the form of a memorandum of understanding. This historic agreement on the management of water resources will be signed within a few hours and, for the first time in the history of Iraq–Turkey relations, will be officially recorded.”
He also addressed the issue of the PKK, saying: “As Iraq, we firmly support the negotiations between the government of Turkey and the PKK, and we hope they will reach an agreement in this regard. In Iraq, there are armed elements affiliated with the PKK, and the leadership of this organization has announced that the PKK will be dissolved and its armed forces disbanded.”
Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, also referred to the “Terror-Free Turkey” process during the press conference, saying: “This is a positive development for Turkey and the region. Our wish and expectation is that this group, just as it has ceased armed struggle and terrorist activities in Turkey, will also stop armed struggle and terrorist actions in Iraq and withdraw from the areas it occupies; likewise, withdrawal from the occupied territories in Syria is of utmost importance.”
Emphasizing the importance of Ankara–Baghdad relations, he added: “We have no intention of sowing discord, division, rivalry, or trapping one another. Our region has extraordinary resources. If we implement the right strategies, we can turn this region into a prosperous and stable land, serving the rest of the world.”
Fidan further stated that the two countries are considering joint steps in the field of energy, including natural gas and electricity, and that the relevant ministries and institutions are working to realize this cooperation.
