Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Baghdad on Sunday for discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, enhancing border security, and addressing key regional diplomatic issues.

The visit aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Ankara and Baghdad while fostering cooperation on security, diplomacy, and economic matters.

Fidan’s discussions are expected to center on three key priorities. First, enhancing bilateral relations by reviewing existing agreements and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Second, improving border security to address cross-border challenges and ensure stability. Finally, advancing the normalization of relations between Baghdad and Damascus, a crucial effort given the shifting dynamics in the region.

This trip follows a significant visit in April 2024, when Fidan accompanied Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Baghdad and Erbil. During that visit, the two nations signed 27 memoranda of understanding spanning various sectors. Among these agreements, the water-sharing pact stood out as a landmark achievement aimed at resolving a contentious issue that has long affected both countries.

Fidan’s upcoming talks will likely focus on the implementation of these agreements while identifying additional avenues for collaboration. The discussions are also expected to delve into the broader geopolitical challenges facing the Middle East, with an emphasis on Turkey and Iraq’s shared responsibilities in stabilizing the region. Topics such as counterterrorism, border management, and mediation efforts between Baghdad and Damascus will feature prominently in the dialogue.

This visit reflects Turkey’s strategic approach to expanding its influence in the region and solidifying its partnership with Iraq. As a key player in trade and security, Iraq remains a critical ally for Ankara. The outcomes of these discussions are poised to shape future cooperation between the two nations, contributing to the broader goal of peace and stability in the Middle East. (ILKHA)