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Türkiye’s ambassador to Baghdad, Anil Bora Inan, said relations between Türkiye and Iraq are continuing with positive momentum, adding that trade, economic and investment ties are expected to strengthen as long as stability in Iraq continues.
Inan made the remarks in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), assessing the future of Türkiye-Iraq relations and areas of cooperation with the new Iraqi government expected to be formed following recent elections.
Inan said parliamentary elections held on Nov. 11, 2025, were conducted successfully, describing the timely vote as a positive development for democracy in Iraq.
He said the process of forming a new government is underway, noting that the speaker of parliament has been elected, while the election of the president is expected in the near term, followed by the designation of a prime minister and the formation of a cabinet, which will then require parliamentary approval.
Inan said Iraqi political authorities have indicated that the process is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Inan said Türkiye and Iraq relations have continued to improve over the past two government terms in Iraq, pointing to increased stability, improved security conditions, a focus on development, a more balanced foreign policy, and a stronger sense of accountability in governance.
He said these developments have contributed to a strengthening of the institutional framework of bilateral relations.
Inan recalled that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid a critical visit to Iraq in April 2024, during which several important agreements were signed, followed by a return visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Türkiye.
Looking ahead, Inan said Türkiye hopes the new Iraqi government will share a similar vision and further strengthen institutional cooperation to help Iraq navigate challenges stemming from regional changes.
He also highlighted the Development Road project as a long-term and significant initiative, saying Türkiye is a natural partner since the route will pass through its territory and that the project reflects Iraq’s future vision.
On water and climate issues, Inan said Türkiye and Iraq are discussing how to jointly rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure under a framework agreement signed on water cooperation, along with a financing mechanism that defines its implementation principles.
Inan said cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq in counterterrorism has gained momentum, expressing satisfaction with the progress.
He said Türkiye has been affected by terrorism across several regions, including Iraq, Syria, Iran and Europe, and noted that President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan envision a future in which terrorism ends not only in Türkiye but across the region.
Inan said Iraqi authorities are contributing to the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process and expressed hope that this cooperation will continue.
He added that while the designation of the PKK as a banned organization is not considered sufficient, Türkiye believes the PKK should be formally designated as a terrorist organization.
Inan said disputes between Baghdad and Erbil over customs and supply chain management, along with a decline in oil exports from Iraq to Türkiye in recent years, have continued to negatively affect bilateral trade volume.
He said Türkiye is maintaining contacts aimed at removing obstacles to uninterrupted trade, including resolving disagreements between Baghdad and Erbil.
Inan said Turkish businesspeople are making significant contributions to Iraq’s development, noting that one of the largest foreign investment companies in Iraq operates in Basra and that many Turkish contractors are undertaking major projects for the country’s future.
On energy cooperation, Inan said the Iraq-Türkiye oil pipeline is operational through regional oil fields, recalling that the Kirkuk section of the pipeline was damaged during the period when the terrorist group Daesh occupied parts of Iraq.
He said the pipeline is currently pumping 200,000 to 250,000 barrels per day to Ceyhan, from where oil is sold via Iraq’s SOMO company and transported by tankers.
Inan said Iraqi authorities have been informed that the existing agreement expires in July and that Türkiye has submitted a proposal for a new, comprehensive energy agreement aligned with current conditions.
He added that negotiations are expected to gain momentum once the new Iraqi government is in place.
Inan said the Turkmen community plays a vital bridge role in Türkiye-Iraq relations, adding that Türkiye supports Turkmens achieving the positions they deserve within Iraq’s political system as loyal citizens of the country.
He said Turkmens are increasingly reaching influential positions, which Türkiye views with pride, but noted that they are still not represented to the extent they deserve.
Inan also said Türkiye regards the Iraqi Turkmen Front as the primary political representative of Turkmens, adding that the group performed successfully in the most recent elections.
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