Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, Peris Akinci, confirmed on Monday that there is a strategic agreement regarding water issues with Iraq, emphasizing that “our country places great importance on the framework agreement and its optimal activation.” Akinci stated during the second joint committee meeting between Iraq and Turkey on water in Baghdad that "the Turkish Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Energy, and the Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs are very concerned about the water resources issue with the Iraqi side, especially after the meeting of the two presidents." She indicated that "the Turkish side is keen to organize these meetings between the two parties to achieve the desired results."
She added that "26 agreements have been signed, including the water agreement," noting that "the signing of the agreement between the two presidents marks an important shift in water resources, in addition to having a strategic agreement on water resources with coordination and the establishment of supporting institutions."
She continued, "We are working to maintain these meetings in order to improve water resources in Iraq, because the availability of water is important for both countries,” stressing "the pursuit of improving water institutions in Iraq for better investment of water within Iraqi territories."
She pointed out that "the Turkish government places great importance on the framework agreement, as we work to activate it optimally," noting that "Turkey is determined to activate projects with Iraq, as our country has extensive experience in implementing dam projects, irrigation channels, and producing various types of sprinklers."
She explained that "what the Iraqi minister mentioned about the need for energy and reducing the inflow into irrigation channels can possibly be addressed using solar energy methods,” expressing "her country’s readiness to provide information in this regard."
