Erdogan invites Iraqi Coalition Leader Nouri Al-Maliki to Ankara

BAGHDAD, September 26 — Iraqi State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki received an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Ankara during a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Ali Riza Guney, on Tuesday.

Al-Maliki’s press office released the following statement:

Today, the President of the State of Law Coalition, Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki, received in his office the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Iraq, Mr. Ali Riza Guney.

The two sides discussed the latest developments in the political and security situation, the ramifications of regional and international events, and Iraq’s relations with Turkey in various fields. They also discussed Turkey’s contribution to the development project known as the Development Road, along with other neighboring countries, and the issue of shared water resources.

Mr. Al-Maliki emphasized that the government is committed to implementing sustainable development projects, including the Development Road project, as it is a vital regional project for both Iraq and Turkey. He stated, ‘There must be joint efforts between the two countries to strengthen and enhance relations in all economic and developmental sectors.’ He also pointed out the eagerness to create an attractive environment for foreign investment and provide opportunities for promising foreign companies to invest in Iraq, highlighting the significant role that Turkish companies have played in the reconstruction process in Iraq.

On his part, the Turkish Ambassador handed over President Erdogan’s invitation to Mr. Al-Maliki to visit Turkey, confirming his country’s desire to resolve outstanding issues between the two nations. He added that the upcoming period will witness a qualitative leap in the development of relations between the two countries.