Iraq, Türkiye Seal Strategic Water and Trade Agreement

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met on Sunday with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, culminating in the signing of a new strategic framework agreement on water cooperation.

During the talks, both sides reviewed key areas of mutual interest, including water management, trade, energy, transport, and security. Minister Hussein described the agreement as a “milestone” in Iraq–Türkiye relations, marking the first strategic framework of its kind between the two neighbouring countries.

The discussions also touched on efforts to address the issue of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), with Iraq expressing hope for a comprehensive agreement. Minister Fidan, for his part, reiterated Ankara’s respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and its commitment to implementing previous agreements signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad last year.

Fidan highlighted that the water agreement, expected to be formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, would focus on improving water management and rehabilitating Iraq’s irrigation and water infrastructure. 

The Turkish minister also underlined the importance of regional stability, emphasising Ankara’s belief that regional actors should resolve their own challenges through dialogue and cooperation.