Iraq News Now

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Erbil late on Sunday for talks with Kurdish officials. He was greeted at Erbil International Airport by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

Cavusoglu earlier held talks with Iraqi officials in Baghdad and Basra, including Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

According to a read out from Abdul-Mahdi’s office, the Iraqi PM told Cavusoglu Baghdad wants to build “perfect and balanced cooperative ties with all neighboring countries [which] focus on the commonalities”.

“Turkey is a dear neighbor and an important country in the region, and we have outstanding relations, many commonalities, economic interests, security cases, water, commerce, border, and fighting terrorists,” Abdul-Mahdi said.

The Iraqi PM added he hopes to see more Turkish business investment in Iraq, particularly in industry, railways, agriculture, and construction.

He also called for agreements on water, oil, and security, and an end the presence of Turkish forces in Bashiqa. 

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu (L) meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad, April 28, 2019. Photo: PMO 

Turkey and Iraq have emphasized the significance of strengthening border control and trade ties.

"We focused on increased trade volume with Turkey," said Iraqi's Foreign Minister Mohamad al-Hakim at a press conference with Turkish counterpart.

Iraq-Turkey trade volume stands at around $10 billion. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a press conference in March alongside his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih they want to expand it.

"Let's increase it to $20 billion. We want to keep it at this level or even double it. We have the power to do this. The Turkish private sector is capable of revitalizing the Iraqi economy," Erdogan said.  

Hakim described terrorism on the Iraq-Turkey border as an "important" part of their meeting.

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu (L) meets with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamad al-Hakim in Baghdad, April 28, 2019. Photo: AP

"Iraq is strongly rejecting the use of its land for any military activities against Turkey," he said, referring to the nearly four-decade long cross border conflict between the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkish state. 

Conflict between the PKK and Turkey is nearly a daily occurrence along the border. 

Cavusoglu said Turkey and Iraq will need to cooperate to "eliminate PKK terrorist group as well."

Also on security, Hakim noted Iraq was plagued by a three-year battle against the Islamic State (ISIS), leaving areas the group had once controlled in ruins.

"We spoke of the importance of the reconstruction of areas damaged by conflict and the return of Iraqis back home," Hakim said. 

During the ISIS takeover of Mosul in 2014, Turkey was forced to close its consulate and nearly 50 workers at the facility were taken captive by the group before they were released later that year.

Cavusoglu again reiterated, "we have plan to open a consulate in Basra, one in Kirkuk and one in Najaf," in addition to reopening their consulate in Mosul.

He echoed the sentiment that "trade barriers" between Iraq and Turkey "must be removed" for the interests of both sides. 

Cavusoglu said Turkey and Turkish companies "are keen to taking part in the reconstruction of Iraq and that Turkey has been the best helping side for Iraq." Ankara has offered $5 billion in credit for Turkish companies rebuilding in Iraq. 

Ankara and Baghdad have been at loggerheads over water as Turkey has threatened to stop its flow from the Tigris River into Iraq in order to fill its Ilisu Dam. 

"Last year, there was a huge water crisis and problem. But this year was the year of compassion and blessings. This year we instead have the problem of flooding," he said. 

Cavusoglu added Turkey would address the water problem with Iraq "so we do not face any potential drought crisis in the future."

Hakim hailed his Turkish counterpart's visit as "very crucial for increasing coordination and strengthening friendship" between Ankara and Baghdad.  

The Turkish foreign minister added his next two stops will be in Basra and Erbil. 

He also met with Mohamed al-Halbousi, Iraq’s parliamentary speaker. 

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu (L) meets with Mohamed al-Halbousi, Iraq’s parliamentary speaker, in Baghdad, April 28, 2019. Photo: social media 

According to Halbousi’s office they discussed entry visas, economic relations, and humanitarian cooperation, focusing on the return of displaced people and the stabilization of areas liberated from ISIS. 

Halbousi stressed the importance of respecting mutual sovereignty and said Iraq rejects the use of its territory by opposition groups. 

Although he did not mention any group by name, Halbousi was likely referring to the PKK.

Turkey has repeatedly launched airstrikes and sent troops into the Kurdistan Region and areas of northern Iraq to target PKK positions. Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government have criticized Turkey for violating their sovereignty, but have also called on the PKK to withdraw. 

Halbousi and Cavusoglu also discussed the regional water crisis and the formation of joint committees to solve the water problem and to exchange expertise. 

Last updated 10.52 p.m.