A delegation of senior Turkish officials, led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, engaged in crucial discussions with Iraqi counterparts in Baghdad on Thursday. The talks primarily focused on pivotal security and energy matters in anticipation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Iraq later this year.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed the deliberations, highlighting the significance of bolstering cooperation between the two nations across various sectors. Emphasizing mutual benefit, Hussein stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration in areas such as security, trade, energy, water, and education.

Tensions between Turkey and Iraq have been strained in recent times, primarily due to Turkish military operations targeting Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters in the Kurdistan Region. Additionally, disputes over oil exports and water resources sharing have further complicated relations.

A notable point of contention revolves around oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. Last year, after nearly a decade of seeking international arbitration, the Iraqi federal government successfully asserted its authority over oil exports from Kurdistan. Consequently, Ankara was ordered to pay $1.5 billion in damages for transporting oil without Baghdad's approval, prompting Turkey to shut down the export pipeline in protest.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli expressed optimism for the swift reopening of the pipeline. Keceli also indicated that Erdogan would address the specifics of the oil export issue during his anticipated visit to Iraq, signaling a potential opportunity for resolving the longstanding dispute.

The discussions in Baghdad mark a significant step towards addressing bilateral challenges and fostering greater cooperation between Turkey and Iraq, as both nations seek to navigate complex regional dynamics and strengthen their ties for mutual benefit.