Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani has emphasized his government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Turkey, particularly in energy and water sectors. During meetings held on March 18, 2025, in Baghdad, al-Sudani addressed key issues with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who was visiting Iraq.
According to al-Sudani’s media office, they discussed joint cooperation, highlighting the importance of enhancing collaboration with Turkish companies across various sectors. "We are committed to enhancing cooperation with Turkish companies across various sectors, particularly energy," stated al-Sudani.
A significant focus of their discussions revolved around the potential for resuming oil exports from northern Iraq, as well as increasing electricity supplies for Iraq through improved infrastructure. Al-Sudani pointed out, "Our government is working diligently to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," underscoring the importance the Iraqi government places on resolving technical issues with foreign oil companies operating within the region.
On the other hand, Minister Bayraktar expressed Turkey's eagerness to deepen collaborative efforts with Iraq on various fronts, including industrial projects and petrochemical initiatives. He noted the strategic importance of exporting oil from Basra through the Turkish port of Ceyhan and stressed the opportunities presented by the Development Road project, which promises significant investments for the region.
During this meeting, al-Sudani and Bayraktar also emphasized the need for regular and efficient water supplies for Iraq, which aligns with broader initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable resource management. "We see great potential for cooperative efforts particularly with respect to water management and supply," Bayraktar said, reflecting on the interlinked nature of energy and water resource cooperation.
The discussions also covered plans for enhancing the interconnected electricity supply systems, aiming to bolster energy security for both Iraq and Turkey. This aspect of the cooperation highlights ambitions for expansion beyond mere economic ties, aiming instead for strategic partnerships rooted deeply in mutual benefits.
These collaborative efforts come at a time when Iraq is eager to solidify its position as a key player in the energy market, both regionally and globally. Al-Sudani and Bayraktar's meeting marks another step toward achieving Iraq's aspirations to diversify its economic partnerships and improve the resilience of its energy supply chain.
The importance of these discussions cannot be overstated. For Iraq, enhancing energy cooperation with Turkey holds the potential to boost its economy as it seeks to recover from years of conflict and instability. Meanwhile, Turkey is on the lookout for reliable energy sources to support its own growing economy.
Both leaders left the meeting optimistic about the possibilities. The engagement speaks not only to energy and water management but also to integrated development projects aimed at fostering long-term relationships between the two nations. Each step taken by al-Sudani’s administration reflects Iraq’s strategies for recovery and sustainability, channeling resources to restore growth.
Moving forward, monitoring the progress of these discussions will be key. Observers are particularly interested to see how swiftly agreements materialize and whether they translate to increased export volumes and enhanced cooperation frameworks between Iraq and Turkey. This diplomatic engagement signals both countries’ aspirations to forge stronger ties and could redefine the geopolitical energy dynamics of the region.
