Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to arrive in Baghdad on Sunday for a diplomatic visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, bolstering border security, and addressing regional geopolitical challenges.

This visit underscores Turkey’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Iraq and contributing to regional stability, marking a significant step in the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

Key Agendas for the Visit

According to reports obtained by Kurdistan24, Fidan’s discussions in Baghdad will center on:

Reviewing and advancing existing bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad.

Consolidating border security to address cross-border challenges and enhance joint security measures.

Facilitating the normalization of relations between Baghdad and Damascus, a critical issue given the dynamic political landscape in the region.

Fidan’s visit highlights Turkey’s focus on promoting shared interests in trade, security, and regional diplomacy while maintaining a constructive dialogue with Iraq.

Building on Past Agreements

This diplomatic mission follows the visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Fidan to Baghdad and Erbil in April 2024. During that trip, 27 memoranda of understanding were signed across various sectors, laying the groundwork for comprehensive cooperation.

Among these agreements, the water-sharing accord stood out as a landmark initiative, aimed at resolving long-standing disputes between Turkey and Iraq. Fidan’s upcoming talks are expected to review the implementation of these agreements and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Focus on Regional Stability

Amid heightened geopolitical complexities in the Middle East, the visit is poised to underscore the pivotal roles of Turkey and Iraq in fostering regional stability. Discussions are likely to prioritize securing their shared border and enhancing joint efforts to combat terrorism.

The normalization of Baghdad-Damascus relations will also feature prominently, with Turkey playing a mediating role to ease tensions and promote dialogue between the two nations.

Strategic Implications

This visit forms part of Ankara’s broader strategy to strengthen its influence in the region while maintaining a robust partnership with Iraq, a key ally in trade and security.

The outcomes of Fidan’s high-level talks will have significant implications for future collaboration and could shape the evolving political and economic landscape of the Middle East.