Türkiye secures Kirkuk oil partnership in landmark Iraq deal

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkish Petroleum has become a partner in the BP-operated Kirkuk oil field, calling the agreement a major breakthrough in Türkiye-Iraq energy cooperation. Speaking alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara after high-level meetings and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements, Erdogan said the partnership marks a significant step toward expanding long-term collaboration in the energy sector.

Historic energy partnership

Erdogan said the inclusion of Turkish Petroleum in the Kirkuk production field reflects the growing strategic relationship between Ankara and Baghdad. "Kirkuk production field has been granted to Turkish Petroleum as a partner. The agreement signed today has been a historic step in terms of partnership in the energy sector," he said. He also noted that the previous Türkiye-Iraq Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement expired on Monday, adding that both governments are now working to finalize a broader and more comprehensive energy cooperation framework that will serve the interests of both countries.

Oil supply and regional cooperation

Highlighting Iraq's potential role in meeting Türkiye's energy demand, Erdogan referred to remarks by Prime Minister al-Zaidi, who said Baghdad is capable of supplying up to one million barrels of oil per day. "He says, 'We can supply Türkiye with 1 million barrels of oil per day. Don't depend on anyone else.' Once we receive that volume from our neighbor Iraq, it will meet our needs," Erdogan stated. The announcement underlines the importance of strengthening regional energy security through closer cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Security and Development Road Project

Beyond energy, the leaders discussed key regional developments, including the situations in Iran, Syria and Palestine. Erdogan said Ankara remains committed to promoting stability across the region through dialogue and cooperation. He also emphasized ongoing coordination with Iraq on counterterrorism efforts, expressing confidence that both countries can permanently remove security threats from their shared agenda. The Turkish president added that the Development Road Project, designed to connect the Gulf region with global markets through Iraq, has become even more strategically important under current regional conditions.

Trade, defense and regional integration

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's readiness to expand defense industry cooperation with Iraq while deepening collaboration in transportation, water management and infrastructure. He said bilateral trade, which approached $17 billion last year, has significant room for further growth through increased investment and commercial partnerships. The president also welcomed Iraq's efforts to strengthen regional integration, particularly its engagement with Syria, and described the participation of Iraqi Turkmen Front Chairman and Kirkuk Governor Salman Agaoglu in the Iraqi delegation as a meaningful gesture reflecting the importance of the Turkmen community.