Turkish president’s visit to Baghdad imminent, expected to resolve pending issues

BAGHDAD, August 23 — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Baghdad to address a multitude of unresolved matters, according to two senior officials close to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.

The expected visit comes amid intensified communication between the two countries, including a recent visit by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, to Iraq on Tuesday. An Iraqi delegation is also currently engaged in ongoing negotiations in Ankara on oil transfers to Ceyhan port.

Sabhan Mulla Giyad, Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, told 964:

The recent visit of Iraq’s oil minister to Ankara, coupled with the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit to Baghdad today, serve as a prelude to the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iraq. The visit of Iraq’s oil minister undeniably holds significance from both technical and political aspects, with the expectation of further developments during the anticipated visit of the Turkish President. This visit will likely bring clarity to crucial pending issues that have persisted for some time.

Despite the intricacies and challenges of certain matters, particularly the security and military domain, both sides exhibit the willingness to make progress and improve relations.

Bassim Al-Awadi, Spokesperson for the Iraqi Cabinet further explained:

The visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister is a preparatory step for the subsequent visit of the Turkish President to Baghdad. The Iraqi delegation, led by Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul Ghani, arrived in Ankara yesterday and continues the negotiations. The outcomes will become apparent upon the delegation’s return to Baghdad.