Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has concluded a pivotal visit to Türkiye, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and tackling a raft of shared challenges, including security, water scarcity, and economic collaboration. The high-level discussions underscore a strategic intent to foster closer ties between the two nations, despite a history of intermittent tensions and overlapping interests.
Al-Sudani's trip, reported by Al Jazeera, was primarily focused on strengthening "strategic cooperation," a broad term encompassing critical areas vital to regional stability and prosperity. The engagement comes at a time when both Baghdad and Ankara are grappling with internal complexities and external pressures, making a unified approach to shared concerns all the more crucial.
Diplomacy Against a Backdrop of Kurdistan Raids
A significant, albeit unspoken, element of the discussions would have been Türkiye's ongoing military operations against Kurdish militant groups in northern Iraq. Ankara views these groups as national security threats, particularly the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which it, along with the United States and European Union, designates as a terrorist organisation. Türkiye has frequently conducted cross-border raids and established military outposts in Iraqi Kurdistan, much to Baghdad's occasional diplomatic chagrin. While Iraq understands Türkiye's security concerns, these incursions often infringe upon its sovereignty.
Prime Minister al-Sudani’s visit likely sought to find a delicate balance, acknowledging Türkiye’s legitimate security needs while asserting Iraq’s territorial integrity. It is understood that high-level security dialogue aimed to coordinate efforts against militant groups more effectively, potentially exploring intelligence sharing and joint operational planning to mitigate unilateral actions that could strain relations.
The Tigris and Euphrates: A Shared Scarcity
Water management, particularly concerning the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, remains a perennial and increasingly urgent point of contention between Iraq and Türkiye. Türkiye's extensive dam projects on the upper reaches of these vital waterways have significantly reduced water flow into Iraq, exacerbating an already dire water crisis in the country's south. This has led to severe consequences for Iraqi agriculture, public health, and internal displacement.
The discussions between al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were expected to delve into this sensitive issue, with Iraq advocating for a more equitable distribution of water resources. Bagdad has consistently called for Türkiye to increase water releases, citing international law and humanitarian concerns. While a comprehensive resolution is complex, initial steps might involve joint technical committees to monitor water levels, share data, and explore sustainable water management practices that benefit both nations.
Boosting Economic Lifelines and Trade
Economically, Türkiye is a significant trading partner for Iraq, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$16 billion (around A$24.5 billion) in 2022. Iraq imports a wide array of goods from Türkiye, including foodstuffs, construction materials, and manufactured products. Expanding trade volume and diversifying economic cooperation were high on the agenda. Potential areas of focus included energy investments, particularly in Iraq's vast oil and gas sectors, and infrastructure development, vital for Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction.
Discussions likely explored mechanisms to streamline trade, remove bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance transit routes. Given Iraq's ambitious development plans, including its multi-billion dollar 'Development Road' project connecting its Grand Faw Port to Türkiye and Europe, a strengthened economic partnership with Ankara is strategically crucial. This initiative, aiming to transform Iraq into a regional transport hub, would require significant Turkish collaboration and investment, offering substantial mutual benefits for both economies and the broader region.
