Iraqi PM visits Turkiye to boost ties despite complex challenges | Business and Economy News
Iraqi Prime Minister Visits Turkey to Strengthen Ties
ANKARA, Turkey — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is leading a high-level delegation to Turkey on Tuesday, marking his first official visit to the neighboring country since assuming office in May. The delegation includes various ministers and senior officials, with discussions focusing on strategic cooperation, security, water management, and economic collaboration.
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi stated that this visit reflects Iraq’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing relations with Turkey, particularly regarding critical issues such as oil and water resources.
Relations between the two countries have fluctuated over the past decade but have regained importance, especially following the initiation of the U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran in February and subsequent developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz. These factors have prompted Iraqi authorities to urge Turkey to resume and increase oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which have been suspended for years.
Oil Pipeline Agreement on the Agenda
During the visit, Iraq and Turkey are expected to negotiate a new oil pipeline agreement to govern the export of Iraqi oil after the previous contract expired. A source from Iraq’s Ministry of Oil confirmed that a technical delegation arrived in Ankara late last week to finalize a one-year extension of the old agreement until a new deal is finalized.
However, the terms proposed by Turkey are reportedly challenging for Iraq to accept. An official, speaking anonymously, noted that Turkey aims to increase the per-barrel fee from $1.35 to $7, with a minimum export capacity set at 1.5 million barrels per day, regardless of whether Iraq can meet this level.
Part of al-Zaidi’s agenda includes exploring new energy deals and alternative routes for exporting Iraqi crude through Turkey and Syria to the Mediterranean Sea. Earlier this month, Iraq signed energy deals valued at $200 billion with U.S. companies during al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States, as the government seeks to boost oil and gas production while diversifying export options.
“Iraq is in urgent need of new export routes away from the Strait of Hormuz, which no longer fulfill requirements. Expedited negotiations are essential,” said Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Khudair.
Development Initiatives and Infrastructure Projects
In addition to energy discussions, al-Zaidi aims to foster strong trade, development, and economic ties with Turkey, leveraging its expertise in various industries. Key projects under consideration include the Development Route, a significant infrastructure initiative that would connect Iraq’s al-Fao port to the Iraq-Turkey-Syria border through a 1,200-kilometer rail and highway network.
However, challenges remain. Political science professor Abd al-Jabar Ahmad noted that ongoing attacks by armed groups have derailed the Development Route project, raising concerns about al-Zaidi’s ability to achieve important outcomes during his visit.
Water Management and Security Discussions
Water management is also a critical topic on the agenda. Iraq holds Turkey responsible for constructing dams that have significantly reduced the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate in Turkey. Iraqi officials stress that this is a pressing issue impacting millions of Iraqis.
Security remains a sensitive concern amid Turkey’s military presence in northern Iraq, aimed at combatting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union. Military estimates indicate that Turkey maintains approximately 50 bases in Erbil, Duhok, and Nineveh, hosting around 5,000 soldiers and various armaments.
Despite the complexities, there is a strong push within Iraq to strengthen relations with Turkey, viewed as essential for national interests. Political science professor Issam al-Faily commented on the desire to deepen cooperation in energy and transit routes, while cautioning that Iraq’s internal political dynamics and the Turkish-Iranian rivalry could pose obstacles to al-Zaidi’s objectives.
As the visit unfolds, both nations aim to address pressing issues and facilitate collaboration in various sectors.
