UPDATE - Strategic framework agreement between Türkiye, Iraq constitutes ‘solid roadmap’: President Erdogan

UPDATE WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Esra Tekin and Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - A strategic framework agreement signed between Türkiye and Iraq constitutes a “solid roadmap,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

“I believe that my visit and agreements just signed will constitute a new turning point in Türkiye-Iraq relations,” Erdogan told a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani in Baghdad.

Under the auspices of the Turkish president and the Iraqi prime minister, a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding regarding cooperation in the Development Road project was signed between Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar, and the UAE.

The two countries also signed 24 cooperation agreements, with Erdogan saying they have decided to establish joint permanent committees to facilitate the continuation and follow-up of technical negotiations in many areas such as security, counterterrorism, economy, trade, energy, transportation, environment, transboundary waters, health, and education.

“We will ensure the necessary coordination for the implementation of the agreements we have signed,” he added.

The Turkish leader said they discussed potential steps to eliminate "artificial barriers" in bilateral trade, highlighting the vital importance of the Development Road project in achieving this goal.

Erdogan said water and climate crisis in the region adversely affects both countries, emphasizing that a committee will advance cooperation on a rational and scientific basis, and taking into account mutual interests.

- Fighting against terrorism in region

The Turkish president said cooperation on security and the fight against terrorism was one of the most important agenda items during his meeting.

Erdogan said they discussed potential joint actions against the PKK and its affiliates, which target Türkiye from Iraqi territories, adding: “We welcomed the designation of the PKK terror group as a proscribed organization in Iraq.”

He expressed his strong belief that the presence of the PKK in Iraqi territories will be eradicated soon, and affirmed Ankara’s readiness to provide all necessary support for every step the Iraqi government takes in this regard.

- Gaza also discussed

Erdogan said they discussed the impact of Israel's oppression and conflict in Palestine on the region.

"We are conducting today's visit under the shadow of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, and we are doing our utmost to stop the bloodshed in Gaza,” he said.

"The recent developments in the new Iran axis by Israel increase the risk of spreading and escalating the war, overshadowing the massacre in Palestine," he added.

The Turkish president also reiterated his call for all relevant parties to refrain from escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

He repeated his call for establishing an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem based on the 1967 borders, saying it’s “the key to regional peace.”

"Türkiye continues to work towards this goal, he said, adding: “We have demonstrated our support for our Gazan brothers and sisters by sending more than 45,000 tons of humanitarian aid."