Sudani arrives in Ankara for talks with Erdogan as Iraq and Turkey move to deepen cooperation across multiple fields. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani landed in Ankara on Thursday for high-level discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Sudani was welcomed by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, who highlighted the importance of the visit. He emphasized both countries’ determination to expand ties in politics, security, economy, and trade. Bolat also noted their shared goal of reaching $30 billion in annual bilateral trade.
The Iraqi premier will co-chair a session of the Iraqi-Turkish High Level Strategic Cooperation Council with Erdogan. According to statements from both governments, the agenda includes the signing of new agreements focused on broader regional and international cooperation.
Fahrettin Altun, head of communications for the Turkish presidency, confirmed that both leaders will address key bilateral issues and regional developments. He said new documents targeting multiple sectors will be signed, showing both sides’ desire to expand collaboration.
This visit builds on earlier meetings between Sudani and Erdogan. They last met in Istanbul in November to discuss strategic cooperation and revive joint memorandums of understanding. They also held talks in New York last September during the UN General Assembly.
The visit also follows a key diplomatic encounter in April during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan discussed Iraq’s decision to ban the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Ankara has pressured Baghdad to classify the PKK as a terrorist organization, a step Iraq has yet to take.
In March 2024, both countries signed a major water cooperation agreement. That deal included multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects to manage the Tigris and Euphrates rivers more effectively. The agreement will remain in force for 10 years.
Now, Sudani arrives in Ankara for talks with Erdogan to continue building on those initiatives. Both leaders aim to expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, and diplomacy. Their growing engagement reflects a shift toward closer regional alignment and mutual economic benefit.
In summary, Sudani arrives in Ankara for talks with Erdogan brings three clear outcomes. First, it advances strategic partnerships. Second, it strengthens economic ties. Third, it sets the stage for new regional agreements.