Erdogan Visit8 Mar 2024 07:06
ERBIL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit Baghdad and Erbil later this month for discussions with senior officials from both sides, according to a senior Iraqi Foreign Ministry official.
The visit, lasting two days with one day each in Baghdad and Erbil, aims to address several key issues, including the presence of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bases in Iraq, the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports via Turkish ports, and water security concerns.
The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that Erdogan will lead a delegation comprising senior Turkish officials, businessmen, and company owners during the visit.
Among the primary objectives of Erdogan's visit is to find a lasting solution to the PKK presence in Iraq, which Turkey considers a significant threat to its national security. Discussions will also revolve around potential security agreements and border measures to curtail PKK movements. Furthermore, both sides will explore the possibility of a comprehensive security agreement, including measures to halt attacks on Iraqi territory and address the presence of Turkish troops.
The Development Road project will also be on the agenda during Erdogan's talks with Iraqi officials, according to Subhan al-Mullah Jiyad, the political advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister.
Jiyad emphasized the importance of Erdogan's visit in resolving longstanding issues between Baghdad and Ankara, particularly highlighting the critical water issue amid Iraq's ongoing drought crisis.
Erdogan's visit, originally planned for the previous year, was postponed due to regional developments, including the war in Gaza and political strains between Baghdad and Ankara. Reports suggest that stalled oil exports from the Kurdistan Region via the Ceyhan port also contributed to the delay.
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