President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements at a joint press conference held after his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi in Ankara. Erdoğan stated that Iraq offered to supply 1 million barrels of oil daily to Turkey, saying, "Turkey plans to import 1 million barrels of oil from neighboring Iraq, which will completely meet our needs."
During the meeting, agreements were signed to deepen cooperation in energy, security, transportation and water resources. Noting that the Turkey-Iraq Oil Pipeline Agreement expired yesterday, Erdoğan said, "Our goal now is to sign a comprehensive energy cooperation agreement that benefits both sides as soon as possible."
Historic oil deal in Kirkuk
President Erdoğan announced that Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has won a production share in the Kirkuk field operated by British Petroleum (BP). "The agreement signed today represents a historic step for energy partnership," Erdoğan said, stressing that it will strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Development Road project gains further importance
Erdoğan said the "Development Road" project, which aims to connect the Persian Gulf region to the world via Iraq, has become more important than ever in light of current developments. He noted that he was pleased to see Prime Minister Zeydi's determination on the issue.
Emphasis on security and counterterrorism
Highlighting the military situation in the region, Erdoğan said discussions covered security, counterterrorism, energy and transportation extensively. "We do not view Iraq's peace and stability as separate from Turkey's situation. We are striving for our region to be remembered for development, prosperity, peace and stability, not war, terror and conflicts," he said.
Erdoğan added that they are in close dialogue with Iraqi brothers to implement the "Terror-free Turkey" process and the "terror-free region" concept, stating, "We hope to completely remove this problem, which has been costly for both countries, from the agenda." He also said Turkey is ready to do its part in supplying defense industry products that Iraq needs.
Trade volume nears $17 billion
Noting that bilateral trade volume approached $17 billion last year, Erdoğan said they aim to raise this figure much higher. He described Prime Minister Zeydi's visit to Ankara with a large delegation and his meeting with businesspeople as highly significant.
Special emphasis on Iraqi Turkmen
President Erdoğan expressed his pleasure at Prime Minister Zeydi's special attention to Iraqi Turkmen, who are an inseparable part of Iraq's cultural richness. He underlined that the inclusion of Iraqi Turkmen Front Secretary-General and Kirkuk Governor Salman Ağaoğlu in Zeydi's delegation was meaningful.
Regional developments and contacts with Syria
Erdoğan said he exchanged views with the Iraqi Prime Minister on regional developments, especially Iran, Syria and Palestine. He stated that Ankara views Iraq's integration efforts with the region, particularly its contacts with Syria, as constructive steps and supports them.
At the end of the meeting, Erdoğan thanked Zeydi for his visit and wished that the consultations and decisions would bring beneficial results.
