At a Glance

• Erdogan and Al-Zaidi conclude high-level Ankara summit.
• Turkey and Iraq commit to joint counter-terrorism efforts.
• Rapid implementation of the "Development Road" project agreed upon.
• Both leaders align on Syria stability and energy cooperation.

Al-Zaidi and Erdogan reached broad agreements on cross-border security, regional transport, and trade during high-level talks in Ankara on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Leading a senior delegation, Al-Zaidi’s visit with Erdogan focused on turning political goodwill into concrete economic and defense outcomes.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area:

• On Security & Sovereignty: Al-Zaidi and Erdogan emphasized "the importance of preserving the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and political unity of the region's countries, thereby contributing to consolidating regional stability."
• On Counter-Terrorism: Erdogan expressed gratitude for support regarding "a terror-free Turkey" efforts, while Al-Zaidi stressed "the importance of bilateral cooperation and joint security coordination to eliminate cross-border threats."
• On Trade & Infrastructure: Reaffirming their focus on the Development Road infrastructure initiative, Erdogan and Al-Zaidi declared "their joint commitment to implementing the project as soon as possible" alongside plans for a comprehensive energy partnership.
• On Syria & Regional Peace: Erdogan and Al-Zaidi reiterated their intent to strengthen ties with Syria by "supporting its unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, and promoting inclusive governance."

---

Leading a delegation of political, security, and economic officials, Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara for comprehensive talks on bilateral relations and pressing regional issues.

According to the official joint statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, discussions were held in an atmosphere of mutual trust and good neighborliness, with both leaders reaffirming "their determination to continue this constructive approach and enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries."

Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism

Security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Both nations underscored "the importance of preserving the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and political unity of the region's countries, thereby contributing to consolidating regional stability."

President Erdogan expressed Turkey's appreciation for the Iraqi government's support regarding "a terror-free Turkey" initiatives. In turn, the Iraqi delegation emphasized "the importance of bilateral cooperation and joint security coordination to eliminate cross-border threats, preserving the security and sovereignty of the two neighboring countries."

Energy, Trade, and the Development Road

The two leaders discussed concrete steps to translate political consensus into economic results across key sectors, including energy, water, trade, agriculture, defense industries, and investment.

A central outcome of the summit was a renewed push for regional connectivity through the mega Development Road infrastructure project. Both parties emphasized their "joint commitment to implementing the project as soon as possible," while also signaling intentions to sign a comprehensive agreement to strengthen regional energy security.

Diplomatic Milestone and Syria Coordination

Addressing regional politics, Baghdad and Ankara signaled aligned positions on the Palestinian cause and expressed a shared commitment to regional stability. Both sides pledged to support fraternal relations with Syria by "supporting its unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, and promoting inclusive governance."

To mark their historic relationship, both countries agreed to convene the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Baghdad on a date to be announced later. The two governments also announced plans to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Iraq and Turkey next year with high-level exchange visits and cultural events.

For You: Through Our Lens

Al-Zaidi’s Ankara visit comes as part of a broader diplomatic marathon aimed at balancing Iraq’s critical foreign relationships amid shifting regional dynamics. Earlier this month, Al-Zaidi completed official visits to both Washington and Tehran, navigating Iraq’s delicate balance between its Western security partner and its influential eastern neighbor. By capping off the month with high-level talks in Turkey, Al-Zaidi seeks to position Baghdad as a central diplomatic bridge and economic hub connecting the Gulf, Iran, and Europe.