ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Iraq on Monday, marking his first visit since 2011. He was received by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani at Baghdad International Airport with a military salute and the Iraq and Turkey national anthems played by a marching band, to be later be welcomed by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid at Baghdad Palace. 



Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presided over the signing of a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding between Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE to collaborate on the Development Road project, they discussed security issues and combating terrorism and the two leaders talked about the water management between Iraq and Turkey. A list of 26 memoranda and agreements signed by Al-Sudani with Erdogan in Baghdad. 

The #Qatari Minister of Transport and the #Emirati Minister of Energy and Infrastructure have arrived in #Baghdad to sign a quadrilateral agreement with #Iraq and #Turkey, establishing the foundation for the Development Road project, Iraqi state media reported on Monday… pic.twitter.com/tFDCARcIL5

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 22, 2024

During the meeting, Erdogan emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "The Development Road project is important for the countries in the region, and for both countries, Turkey will continue its support for Iraq to complete the project as quickly as possible." Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted agreements signed regarding water infrastructure, stating, "On the water level, agreements have been signed aimed at modernizing irrigation systems, with their impact expected to be noticeable over the next 10 years, especially regarding Iraq's water share." 

#BREAKING: Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani stated that on the water level, agreements have been signed aimed at modernizing irrigation systems, with their impact expected to be noticeable over the next 10 years, especially regarding Iraq's water share, Iraqi state… pic.twitter.com/KRkfUxzQko

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 22, 2024

Discussions also covered bilateral security, with Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirming, "We operate within the framework of the Iraqi constitution, and we are committed to not allowing any force to use Iraqi territory as a launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries." President Erdogan expressed readiness to provide support in combating terrorism, stating, "We are ready to provide support to the Iraqi government in combating terrorism." 

President Erdogan also affirmed his commitment to the Development Road project for commercial development, stating, "We are determined to participate in the Development Road project to achieve commercial development." 

The leaders also discussed the situation in Gaza, with President Erdogan mentioning, "We discussed the effects of Zionist oppression in Gaza and consulted on joint steps to calm the situation." President Erdogan voiced support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, affirming, "We are supportive of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

Lastly, Erdogan announced plans to visit Erbil after Baghdad to discuss mutual relations, stating, "I will visit Erbil after Baghdad to discuss mutual relations."

Erdogan wrapped up his visit to Iraq with a stop in the Kurdistan Region's capital, Erbil. Upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport, he was received by the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday, where "discussions on regional and international issues, as well as matters pertaining to counter-terrorism, took place behind closed doors at the Presidential Palace in Erbil," according to a statement from the Turkish presidential communications office. 



"During the meeting in Erbil, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's commitment to combat terrorism and emphasized the importance of this endeavor. He also expressed Turkey's readiness to engage in broad agreements with Baghdad, including cooperation with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq." 

Erdogan further highlighted the significance of the Development Road project, a land route and railway extending from Iraq to Turkey and its ports, spanning 1200 kilometers within Iraq, aimed at facilitating trade between Europe and Gulf countries. 

Additionally, Erdogan called upon Baghdad and Erbil to establish sound cooperation and dialogue' while safeguarding their autonomy from external interference. He expressed hope for the protection of the interests and rights of the Turkmen in the region, including their political representation.

The Turkish president also met with the Kurdistan Democratic Party leader, Masoud barazni where the Kurdish leader said on X platform that he was "Pleased to receive Turkish President Erdogan today in Kurdistan where we discussed continued paths of cooperation in pursuit of the interests of the people of Kurdistan and Turkey."

During his visit to #Erbil, #Turkish President #Erdogan met with #KDP President Masoud Barzani and discussed pressing regional and international issues. #TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/bM1I8Y6I4d

— The New Region (@thenewregion) April 23, 2024