Iraq and Turkey on Monday forged a ten-year strategic deal to address water management issues following a meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“The Strategic Framework Agreement ensures fair water provision,” al-Sudani said in a news conference with the Turkish leader.
Erdogan earlier arrived in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to meet Iraqi officials on an array of topics of mutual interests including security, water management, and a multi-billion road and railway connection project.
It was his first visit to the neighboring country since 2011. Both countries are at odds over a range of topics spanning water provision issues worsened by Turkey withholding water sources of the Tigers and Euphrates due to upstream damming, and the presence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the Iraqi territories.
Erdogan also said that both sides have “formed a joint committee” to address the water issue.
According to the UN, Iraq is one of the nations most affected by climate change, including food and water shortages. Owing to increased heat, less precipitation, waste, and poor management of water supplies.
