Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi Visits Turkey Amidst Complex Challenges
In a bid to strengthen ties and boost economic cooperation between Iraq and Turkey, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has led a high-level delegation on a three-day visit to Ankara. The trip aims to focus on strategic cooperation in areas such as security, water management, and energy production.
The visit comes at a time when the two countries have been navigating complex challenges that have impacted their relationship over the past decade. Iraq’s oil exports were suspended due to tensions with Turkey following the US-Israel war on Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iraqi government has sought to re-establish trade and economic ties with its Turkish counterpart.
During his visit, al-Zaidi is expected to discuss a range of issues, including energy production, water management, and security concerns related to Turkey’s military presence in northern Iraq. He will also highlight the importance of utilizing Turkish expertise in various sectors, such as infrastructure development and transportation networks.
The Iraqi delegation arrived in Ankara on Tuesday, where they met with government officials, ministers, and senior officials. The visit is part of a broader effort by al-Zaidi to strengthen ties between his country and Turkey, which remains one of Iraq’s most important trading partners in the region.
Iraq has been seeking new energy deals worth $200 billion during al-Zaidi’s recent visits to the United States, where he signed several agreements with US companies. The government aims to increase its oil production and diversify exporting options by exploring alternative routes for Iraqi crude exports via Turkey and Syria.
The Development Route project is a key area of focus for al-Zaidi’s visit. This vital transport network connects Iraq’s southern port city of Basra to the northern border with Syria, passing through 10 Iraqi provinces. However, the project has been derailed due to ongoing attacks by armed groups in the region.
Water management is also expected to be prioritized during the visit. Iraq blames Turkey for building dams that have affected its two main rivers and views it as an issue that impacts millions of Iraqis.
Despite these challenges, there appears to be widespread support among Iraqi officials for strengthening ties with Turkey. Issam al-Faily, a political science professor at Baghdad University, believes that Iraq’s desire to deepen relations with Turkey is driven by the need to secure economic benefits and advance national interests.
However, al-Zaidi must balance competing issues related to security concerns in northern Iraq, where Turkish forces are stationed to combat the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The presence of these military bases has raised tensions between Ankara and Baghdad, but it remains unclear whether a resolution can be reached during this visit.
In conclusion, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Turkey is an important step towards strengthening economic cooperation and deepening ties with its neighboring country. Despite the complexities surrounding their relationship, both Iraq and Turkey remain committed to finding mutually beneficial solutions that address pressing issues such as energy production, water management, and security concerns.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
Read original source
