Iraq-Turkey relations are gaining momentum as leaders from both nations push for deeper cooperation. On Wednesday, Iraq’s Speaker of Parliament, Dr Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara to advance these ties.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to activate parliamentary friendship committees. These committees will help build trust and encourage direct dialogue between lawmakers from Iraq and Turkey. Dr al-Mashhadani stressed the need for joint efforts, urging Turkey to simplify residency procedures for Iraqis. He also asked for smoother renewal processes and protection against arbitrary deportations.
Moreover, discussions focused on the ambitious Development Road Project. This major plan will create a trade route connecting Asia to Europe at lower costs. Both countries view this project as a way to improve trade, support regional integration, and boost the economy.
In addition, Dr al-Mashhadani thanked Turkey for increasing water flows into Iraq. He expressed appreciation for Turkey’s decision to release more water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He stressed the importance of maintaining this cooperation, given Iraq’s water needs.
Later that same day, Dr al-Mashhadani received a phone call from Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. The Turkish official confirmed that water flows had reached 420 cubic metres per second. He said this increase followed an agreement reached earlier between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraq.
Dr al-Mashhadani welcomed this step and expressed deep gratitude to Turkey’s leadership. He described Turkey as a vital neighbour and said Iraq remains ready to strengthen ties.
As Iraq-Turkey relations advance, both nations see great potential in economic, political, and environmental cooperation. The Development Road Project will likely become a centrepiece of these efforts.
Additionally, easing residency rules and improving water sharing will benefit people in both countries. Stronger Iraq-Turkey relations may lead to better trade, improved diplomacy, and greater stability in the region.