Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Turkey possesses a significant, broad, and advanced infrastructure in industry, transportation, and energy, and that Iraq can evaluate and benefit from all of them. The remarks came during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, where the two discussed multi-dimensional cooperation and joint projects, especially in energy, trade, transportation, and security.
Hussein noted that 39 memoranda of understanding were signed between Iraq and Turkey for the years 2024 and 2025. He also said that the Development Road Project is currently the most important project and constitutes the most economical transportation route. Fidan, in turn, considers the Development Road Project as a strategic vision to place Turkey and Iraq at the center of regional connectivity and prosperity.
The Iraqi Cabinet approved the activation and implementation of the water agreement between Iraq and Turkey, with investments to be supported from the beginning of September and relevant Turkish companies will start work. Hussein added that Iraq is determined to sign the temporary protocol for the Kirkuk-Ceyhan Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline as soon as possible.
Trade volume between Iraq and Turkey last year was approximately 14 billion 341 million 727 thousand dollars. Turkish companies realized 1,145 projects in Iraq in 2025 with a total value of $36.6 billion; Iraq became the third largest market for Turkish contractors worldwide.
Visa facilitations for Iraqi citizens have been implemented in line with the Turkish President's directives, and efforts continue to facilitate banking transactions. Iraq is also working to create alternative land corridors through Syria to Turkey to overcome obstacles to trade.
Fidan stated that relations between Turkey and Iraq will continue to be advanced in every field on the basis of mutual trust. He also said the aim is to make the borders a zone of regional cooperation and common development.