Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to embark on a significant state visit to Baghdad on Monday, where he will engage in crucial talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. This diplomatic engagement underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Turkey and Iraq, focusing on mutual interests and cooperation.

Upon his arrival, President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation will be formally received by Prime Minister al-Sudani, followed by a ceremonial reception at the Presidential Salam Palace alongside Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rasheed.

President Erdogan's itinerary includes a symbolic visit to the Ottoman era cemetery in Baghdad's al-Azamiah neighborhood, highlighting the historical connections between Turkey and Iraq.

Central to the discussions between the Turkish President and Prime Minister al-Sudani will be the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline (ITP) via the Ceyhan port. Negotiations aim to address logistical and economic considerations while fostering deeper cooperation in the energy sector.

Additionally, both sides will address the pressing issue of water sharing plans for the Tigris River, seeking to adhere to international treaties and ensure sustainable water management practices to prevent potential disputes.

Iraqi Government Spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi has confirmed the preliminary preparations for President Erdogan's visit, emphasizing its significance. Over 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed, reflecting the broad scope of bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Iraq.

The anticipated outcomes of President Erdogan's visit hold promise for advancing shared interests and promoting stability and prosperity in the region. Against the backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics, Turkey and Iraq aim to deepen ties and collaborate on key issues of mutual concern.

The forthcoming state visit of Turkish President Erdogan to Baghdad underscores the crucial role of diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges and fostering bilateral cooperation. The discussions on resuming Kurdistan Region's oil exports and water management reflect the interconnectedness of energy security and environmental concerns in the region.

In related developments, it was reported on February 26 that President Erdogan would visit Iraq after Turkish local elections on March 31, building anticipation for the diplomatic engagement. Moreover, on March 21, 2023, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani visited Turkey, where discussions on the water crisis were held, underscoring the ongoing dialogue between the two nations on critical issues.

Turkey and Iraq's robust economic ties, exemplified by their $15 billion trade in goods in 2022, demonstrate the substantial economic partnership between the two countries. The Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) border near the Zakho independent administration of the Kurdistan Region remains a vital conduit for trade between Turkey and Iraq, further cementing their economic relations.