Al-Sudani discusses energy and development with Turkish Energy Minister

BAGHDAD, November 23 — Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani discussed several issues, including oil, water, and the Development Road, with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar on Wednesday.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s press office said:

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani received on Wednesday the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, and an accompanying delegation.

The meeting discussed the cooperation between Iraq and Turkey in the energy sector and ways to develop it. It also addressed the efforts of both countries to resume the work of the Joint Economic Committee in its 19th session, and the continued work on the file of Iraqi oil exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the government’s readiness to find a solution to resume oil exports, confirming Iraq’s adoption of fair solutions within the framework of the constitution in dealing with various issues with neighboring countries.

Al-Sudani pointed out the water file, Iraq’s water share, and the focus on optimal water use, especially in agriculture. He affirmed Iraq’s desire for further Turkish cooperation in this important file, given its economic and humanitarian impact.

The meeting also discussed the strategic project undertaken by both countries, represented by the Development Road, and the significant continuous growth it will achieve in various joint economic sectors.

The discussions also covered the positions of both countries regarding the events in Gaza, emphasizing the convergence of views on the Palestinian issue. Prime Minister Al-Sudani appreciated Turkey’s clear stance against condemned attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza.

For his part, the Turkish Minister conveyed greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing Turkey’s desire for increased cooperation in various fields. He highlighted President Erdogan’s clear and detailed interest in the Development Road project, affirming that Iraq is an important country not only for Turkey but also for European countries, especially in the field of energy, with promising investment opportunities in the global gas market.