Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently visited Iraq for the first time in over a decade, emphasizing the need for greater cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad in various areas. The Kurdish militant group, PKK, which operates in Iraq, is a major concern for Turkey, leading Erdoğan to discuss joint efforts against the group during his visit. The PKK’s presence in northern Iraq threatens Turkish interests, including plans to construct a major trade route connecting southern Iraq to Turkey and Europe.
During his visit, Erdoğan met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss bilateral security coordination and cooperation in water management, energy, and economics. The two leaders signed agreements to enhance their relations, marking a new chapter in Turkey-Iraq relations. Both countries face challenges from armed groups operating in Iraq, and Erdoğan aims to address these threats through joint actions with Iraq.
The PKK insurgency, which seeks an autonomous Kurdish state in southeast Turkey, has caused significant loss of life over the decades. Turkey views the PKK as a terrorist organization, and Erdoğan announced plans for a major operation against the group. Previous Turkish offensives against PKK in northern Iraq have strained relations with Baghdad, but Iraq seems to be cooperating with Ankara’s operations. Baghdad has, however, asserted its sovereignty by banning the PKK from its territory without designating it as a terrorist organization.
Energy issues and water rights are also crucial aspects of Iraq-Turkey relations. An oil pipeline from the Kurdish region to Turkey has been shut down due to disputes over oil exports that bypassed Iraq’s central government. Additionally, dams built by Turkey have diminished Iraq’s water supply, exacerbating water scarcity issues in the region. Climate change is expected to worsen these shortages, highlighting the urgent need for cooperation between Iraq and Turkey to address water-related challenges.
Despite historical tensions and disagreements, both countries have common projects and interests that can be advanced through collaboration. Erdoğan’s visit to Iraq aims to forge stronger ties and address pressing issues such as the PKK threat, energy disputes, and water scarcity. By working together on security, energy, and water management, Turkey and Iraq can improve relations, promote regional stability, and tackle shared challenges effectively.
