Joint Statement of the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Türkiye Following the Official Visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq to Ankara ………. In response to the official invitation extended to His Excellency Mr. Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, by His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr. Al-Zaidi paid an official visit to the Republic of Türkiye on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, heading a high-level delegation comprising a number of senior political, security and economic officials. During the visit, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Türkiye and His Excellency the Prime Minister held comprehensive talks. The discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments and international issues of mutual interest. These meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere characterized by mutual trust and good neighbourliness. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue this constructive approach and to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries. During their meetings, President Erdoğan congratulated His Excellency al-Zaidi for his assumption of the position of Prime Minister as well as the formation of the government, and wished him success in his endeavors for security, stability and prosperity in Iraq. Prime Minister al-Zaidi, in return, thanked President Erdoğan for his invitation and hospitality for the successful visit. His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Türkiye expressed their satisfaction with the current level of the bilateral relations, and underlined their commitment to further develop their relations at all fields through regular and sustained contacts within the framework of the already established mechanisms between the two countries. In this regard, the two sides underscored the importance of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, the Joint Planning Group as well as the Joint Standing Committees established to provide an institutional and strategic foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to hold the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at a mutually convenient date at a later stage in Baghdad. The two sides agreed to consolidate the legal foundation of their bilateral relations through the completion of pending ratification procedures for existing agreements, the signing of new documents in areas offering further potential for cooperation, as well as enhancing the implementation process of the signed agreements and activating the joint committees. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and political unity of countries in the region for regional stability. President Erdoğan expressed his appreciation to the Iraqi Government for its support to the “Terrorism-Free Türkiye” efforts. The two sides discussed measures to be taken jointly in the areas of counter-terrorism and security, with particular focus on terrorist organizations that threaten the security of both countries, The Iraqi side emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation and joint security coordination to eliminate cross-border threats, in a manner that preserves the security and sovereignty of the two neighbouring countries and serves the stability of the region. The two sides reviewed steps to translate their shared political will into concrete outcomes, with a view to enhancing cooperation in areas such as water, energy, trade, agriculture, connectivity, transportation, defense industry, investment and education. The two sides emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity in the fields of energy and transport through the “Development Road Project” to maintain regional stability and prosperity, and emphasized their shared commitment to implementing the project as soon as possible.