Erdogan’s Iraq visit turning point in Ankara-Baghdad Relations
President Erdogan will visit Iraq on Monday, Baghdad believes that President Erdogan’s visit will give momentum to Türkiye-Iraq relations.
President Erdogan is visiting Iraq after the 12 years. Both Ankara and Baghdad attach significant importance to the visit, during which substantial measures in combating terrorism and radicalization between the two countries are expected to be taken.
The visit, happening at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani, is anticipated to witness the signing of approximately 25 articles of a Strategic Framework Document and close to 30 agreements.
Diplomatic sources emphasizes that the visit aims for a notable advancement in Türkiye-Iraq relations, emphasizing that the roadmap for the two countries’ future relations will be determined during this visit.
A historic visit
Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia al-Sudani, commenting on President Erdogan’s visit to Iraq, stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq would not be “just a passing visit,” emphasizing that there is a will to find solutions to issues between the two countries.
On the other hand Iraqi Government Spokesperson Basim al-Avvadi said that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq will mark a “leap” in the relations between the two countries.
Avvadi stated preparations for President Erdogan’s visit to Iraq began approximately a year ago, stating, “President Erdogan’s visit will lead to a important and qualitative leap in Baghdad-Ankara relations.”
Avvadi listed the topics that will be on the table during Erdogan’s talks in Baghdad, including the Development Road Project, the presence of the PKK terrorist organization in Iraq, and Turkish companies investments in Iraq.
Main agenda item Development Road Project
Avvadi emphasized that Iraq and Türkiye are the main centers of the Development Road Project. He stated, “Important agreements will be made on this matter. The role of Turkish companies in this project in Iraq will also be evaluated.”
Joint operation center
The consensus to establish a Joint Operations Center, which has been under discussion between the two states for an extended era, will also be included in the Strategic Framework Document.
As per the information obtained, the content of the Joint Operations Center will be determined following technical discussions among the pertinent ministries.
Another provision in the agreements will be the establishment of army bases in the 30-40-kilometer zone along the Iraqi border, at varying depths. This includes ensuring the security of Hakurk, Zap, Metina, and Gara, as well as taking tangible steps to diminish the transit of terrorist organization PKK/YPG elements between the two countries on the Iraq-Syria border.
Furthermore, a conclusion is expected regarding the recommencement of oil shipments during President Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad.
Following the decision of the International Arbitration Court based in Paris regarding the oil exports between Turkey and Iraq, the flow of oil from Iraq to the Ceyhan Port ceased on March 25, 2023. Due to the failure of Erbil and Baghdad to reach an agreement on oil exports, it is estimated that the Iraqi economy suffered approximately $14 billion in losses over the course of a year.
It is expected that the resumption of oil exports will be one of the significant agenda items during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anticipated visit to Iraq on April 22. In addition to impoertant titles of discussion will be the water problem.
Additionally, Ankara’s expectations concerning the safeguarding of the rights and interests of the Turkmen community. Especially waiting political representation, will be conveyed to Iraqi officals. Therefore, following Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad, his subsequent stop in Iraq will be Erbil.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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