At a Glance

• Fidan and Hussein meet in Ankara.
• Priority given to the Development Road Project.
• Turkey links Iraqi stability to its own.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held high-level diplomatic discussions with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, in Ankara to advance cooperation across trade, energy, transportation, and regional security.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Development Road Priority: Both ministers evaluated ongoing joint initiatives intended to turn shared border zones into engines for regional growth, placing the strategic Development Road Project at the center of their economic agenda.
• Inseparable Security: Fidan emphasized that Ankara regards Iraq's stability and security as directly connected to Turkey's own well-being.
• Mutual Trust: Expressing commitment to future ties, Fidan noted on X: "We do not see the stability and security of brotherly Iraq as separate from our own stability and security. We will continue to advance our relations further in every field on the basis of mutual trust."

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For You: Through Our Lens

Today, 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.