Turkish President Erdogan Signs 26 Agreements with Iraq During Baghdad Visit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Baghdad, Iraq on April 24, 2024, marking his first trip to the country in 13 years.

During the visit, Erdogan and Iraqi officials signed a total of 26 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a wide range of areas aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Türkiye and Iraq.

The agreements encompass cooperation in fields such as water policy, strategic framework, media and communications, defense industries, employment, social security, education, tourism, energy, security, military training, health, and sports. Key signatories included Erdogan, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and various Iraqi and Turkish ministers and officials.

In a joint press conference with al-Sudani, Erdogan stated that the agreements signify a "new era of collaboration" between the two nations. He emphasized the aim to work towards mutual prosperity and security, with the volume of trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey having risen to $20 billion and a goal to further increase it to $24 billion.

The visit also focused on counter-terrorism measures and regional affairs, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Erdogan and Iraqi leaders discussed these issues, seeking to enhance cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

Why this matters: The signing of 26 agreements between Türkiye and Iraq represents a significant advancement in strengthening their bilateral relationship across multiple sectors. The wide-ranging cooperation has the potential to boost economic ties, enhance security collaboration, and contribute to regional stability.

One notable agreement was a quadripartite accord between Iraq, Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar on Iraq's Development Road project. This project aims to enhance international trade, facilitate the movement of goods, provide a new competitive transport route, and promote regional economic prosperity through the construction of a 1,200-km rail line from Southern Iraq to the Turkish border.

The visit and the signing of the agreements underscore the commitment of both Türkiye and Iraq to deepen their partnership and work together in areas of mutual interest. As Erdogan stated, the accords signify a "new era of collaboration" that holds promise for the future of Turkish-Iraqi relations and regional cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Erdogan visited Baghdad, Iraq, marking his first trip in 13 years.
• Türkiye and Iraq signed 26 agreements and MOUs to strengthen bilateral ties.
• The agreements cover cooperation in various sectors, including trade, security, and infrastructure.
• The visit aims to boost economic ties, enhance security collaboration, and promote regional stability.
• A key agreement is a quadripartite accord on Iraq's Development Road project.