Turkey and Iraq Vow Deeper Cooperation on Energy, Security, and Water Management in Ankara Talks

High-Level Talks Bolster Türkiye-Iraq Relations

Ankara, Türkiye – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein for comprehensive talks in Ankara on Friday, October 10, 2025. The high-level meeting focused on deepening bilateral relations, enhancing regional stability, and addressing critical shared challenges, including energy cooperation, water security, and counter-terrorism efforts. The discussions also touched upon the situation in Gaza and the advancement of key infrastructure projects.

Energy, Trade, and Economic Development at Forefront

A significant outcome of the talks was the mutual commitment to strengthening economic ties. Minister Fidan announced that oil deliveries through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline resumed on September 27, marking a milestone for bilateral energy cooperation. Both ministers underscored their dedication to advancing the Middle Corridor trade route and pledged to intensify efforts to realize the project. Furthermore, the importance of achieving consensus on the strategic Development Road project was highlighted, with both sides agreeing that its realization would serve the interests of the entire region.

Security Cooperation and Regional Stability

Security remained a pivotal topic, with both nations pledging to deepen cooperation on regional stability and counter-terrorism. Iraq has acknowledged the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a 'common threat' and listed it as a 'banned organization' in March 2024, a move welcomed by Türkiye. In a gesture aimed at improving relations and trust, Türkiye lifted its flight ban on Sulaymaniyah International Airport on Thursday, a restriction previously imposed due to concerns over alleged PKK activity in the area. The ministers also voiced strong support for a ceasefire in Gaza and discussed Iraq's meaningful steps to uphold Syria's territorial integrity, with Fidan urging Baghdad and Damascus to strengthen ties.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Environmental Concerns

A major focus of the discussions was the critical issue of water management, particularly concerning the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Top diplomats from both countries reached a tentative draft 'framework' agreement on water management, which is expected to be signed soon in Iraq. Iraqi officials have long expressed concerns about dams built by Türkiye affecting Iraq's water supply. Minister Fidan acknowledged the difficulties faced by Iraq due to water scarcity, stating, 'The waters of the Euphrates and Tigris (rivers) belong to all of us,' and affirmed Türkiye's active engagement in helping Iraq address the situation. He expressed hope for the swift implementation of water rehabilitation projects, recognizing the long-term nature of the water shortage challenge.

Conclusion

The meeting between Ministers Fidan and Hussein, part of the 4th Meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism, underscored a shared vision for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. The talks, which also saw the attendance of ministers of national defense, intelligence chiefs, and deputy interior ministers from both nations, signal a concerted effort to foster a more stable, prosperous, and cooperative future for Türkiye and Iraq.