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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Tuesday that Iraq could supply up to 1 million barrels of oil per day to Türkiye, highlighting the countries' growing energy partnership during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
After Erdogan said, "So he says we can supply Türkiye with 1 million barrels of oil per day," al-Zaidi confirmed the figure, replying: "Yes, that's correct, 1 million."
Speaking at a joint news conference after their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, al-Zaidi said the two countries are working to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy, transportation, education, water resources and the Development Road Project.
"Our visit is not merely a matter of protocol, but a sign of strengthening relations that date back centuries," al-Zaidi said.
He said Iraq seeks "a partnership based on brotherhood."
Erdogan said Turkish Petroleum has secured a partnership in Iraq's Kirkuk production field, describing a newly signed agreement as "a historic step" in bilateral energy cooperation.
"Kirkuk production field has been granted to Turkish Petroleum as a partner. The agreement signed today has been a historic step in terms of partnership in the energy sector," Erdogan said.
Erdogan said he and al-Zaidi exchanged views on regional developments, particularly regarding Iran, Syria and Palestine.
He also said Türkiye was ready to provide Iraq with the defense industry products it needs.
"We are striving to ensure that our region is known not for war, terrorism and conflict, but for development, prosperity, peace and stability," Erdogan said.
He added that Türkiye has never viewed Iraq's peace and stability separately from its own, saying Iraq has been among the countries affected by war and instability.
Al-Zaidi said the two countries are working in particular on the Development Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative intended to connect the Gulf with global markets through Iraq.
"Geography has naturally given us two rivers. Now we want a third river. Let this be a river of economy, and that, of course, is the Development Road," al-Zaidi said.
He described the project as a symbol of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Erdogan also said the Development Road Project has become even more important amid current regional developments.
On security, Erdogan said Ankara remains in close dialogue with Iraq to advance its "terror-free Türkiye" process and its vision of a "terror-free region."
The leaders also discussed cooperation in transportation, education, water resources and energy.
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