Turkish FM Fidan visits Iraq for stability talks, economic cooperation

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will embark on a diplomatic visit to Iraq on Sunday for comprehensive talks aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing regional challenges. The trip follows high-level meetings in Ankara just three weeks ago with Iraqi officials, signaling accelerated engagement between the two neighboring nations.

Broad Agenda for Bilateral Relations

During his meetings with senior Iraqi officials, Minister Fidan is expected to express satisfaction with the rapid advancement in bilateral relations across multiple sectors. Key discussion points will include Türkiye's support for Iraq's stability and security, the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, and the strategic Development Road Project where Türkiye plays a crucial role as a natural stakeholder.

Critical Issues: Water, Energy and Security

Water management will feature prominently in the talks, with Fidan expected to emphasize Türkiye's commitment to technical and scientific cooperation for sustainable water use in Iraq. The recent resumption of operations on the Iraq-Türkiye Oil Pipeline will be highlighted as a positive development for regional energy security. On security matters, Fidan will acknowledge Iraq's support for counterterrorism initiatives while stressing the importance of joint efforts to preserve Syria's territorial integrity.

Regional Context and Economic Partnership

The discussions will extend to broader regional issues, including the essential need for full adherence to the Gaza ceasefire to stabilize the fragile security environment. The economic dimension remains robust, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately $12 billion as of September 2025, solidifying Iraq's position as one of Türkiye's key trading partners. This visit builds upon President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's landmark trip to Iraq in April 2024, which resulted in 27 agreements that fundamentally strengthened the bilateral partnership.