Nouri Al-Maliki insists on fair water share for Iraq

BAGHDAD — Nouri Al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition (SLC), discussed enhancing cooperation across various sectors, notably security, economics, and trade with the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Ali Rıza Güney,

During the meeting, both Al-Maliki and Güney stressed the importance of coordinated efforts in managing water resources to ensure equitable distribution, as outlined in a statement from Maliki’s office received by 964media.

Al-Maliki’s SLC is the largest group within the Coordination Framework, a coalition of mainly pro-Iran Shia groups that serves as the cornerstone of Iraq’s governing coalition.

The timing of the meeting coincides with the anticipated visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iraq post-Ramadan. Erdogan’s forthcoming visit aims to alleviate tensions and foster collaboration between Turkey and Iraq, particularly in developmental initiatives, water management, and security cooperation.

Turkey has announced plans for a significant military operation against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) guerillas in northern Iraq in the upcoming spring.

While expressing support for mutual cooperation in security, economic, and trade realms, Al-Maliki emphasized the need for synchronized action on water-related issues to secure an adequate allocation for Iraq, which grapples with water scarcity and heavily relies on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate in Turkey.

Regarding security matters, Al-Maliki commended the progress achieved between the two countries and their joint efforts in combating terrorist organizations, although the specific groups referenced were not explicitly mentioned.

Iraq recently prohibited PKK activities within its borders but refrained from designating the Kurdish group, engaged in a decades-long struggle with Turkey for Kurdish rights, as a “terrorist” organization.

Ambassador Güney reiterated Turkey’s commitment to Iraq’s security and stability, affirming that Erdogan’s upcoming visit aims to bolster bilateral ties and promote mutual development in areas of shared interest, aligning with the aspirations of both countries.