Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein met in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss various bilateral and regional issues, including anti-terror fight, security and water issues.

The two sides underlined that regional security, stability and prosperity will be possible through progress in areas of cooperation such as trade, investment, transportation, and infrastructure.

They also discussed steps to be taken for the swift implementation of the Türkiye-Iraq Development Road Project, which is expected to connect the planned Grand Al-Faw Port in the Gulf to Türkiye.

The project is planned to be completed in three stages by 2028, 2033 and 2050, and will open Iraq to the world through Türkiye. The estimated cost of the project is $17 billion, with the completion of the first phase scheduled by 2028.

During the meeting, Fidan and Hussein reaffirmed the importance of Iraq’s political unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides also addressed the threats posed by the PKK group as part of the security cooperation between two nations.

The parties also agreed to further enhance bilateral ties in all fields, declaring their strong joint political will in this regard.

Addressing common challenges in climate change and water issues, the top two diplomats agreed to continue the work of the Joint Permanent Committee, established to combat climate crisis. (ILKHA)