Turkey and Iraq Reaffirm Joint Fight Against Kurdish Militants and Security Threats

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani convened in Ankara on May 8, 2025, to advance bilateral cooperation across security, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The meeting culminated in the signing of 11 agreements, reflecting a mutual commitment to address longstanding challenges and enhance regional stability.

Strengthening Security Collaboration

Central to the discussions was the ongoing threat posed by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and several Western nations. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to combatting terrorism, emphasizing that the PKK’s activities undermine the security of both countries. Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s constitutional mandate prohibiting the use of its territory for attacks against neighboring states, underscoring the nation’s resolve to prevent such violations.

The meeting occurred shortly after the PKK held its 12th congress in northern Iraq from May 5 to 7, where it reportedly made “historic” decisions following a call by its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, for the group to disband and pursue peace initiatives with Turkey. While the PKK has not explicitly announced plans to disarm or dissolve, further details are anticipated in the near future.

Addressing Energy and Water Disputes

Energy cooperation was another focal point, particularly the resumption of oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. The pipeline has been inactive since March 2023, following an arbitration ruling that ordered Turkey to pay Iraq $1.5 billion for unauthorized oil exports bypassing Baghdad’s central authority. Negotiations to restart the pipeline have been ongoing, with both nations expressing a desire to resolve outstanding issues and resume operations promptly.

Water resource management also featured prominently in the talks. Iraqi officials have long expressed concerns over reduced water flow from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, attributing shortages to dam constructions in Turkey and climate change. Al-Sudani emphasized the need for equitable water-sharing agreements that respect the interests of both nations, advocating for collaborative solutions to address the pressing water scarcity issues affecting Iraq.

Advancing Infrastructure Initiatives

The leaders discussed the Development Road Project, an ambitious infrastructure plan aimed at connecting the Persian Gulf to Turkey through a network of highways and railways traversing southern Iraq. This initiative is envisioned to bolster trade and economic integration between the two countries, fostering regional development and connectivity.

The meeting between Erdoğan and al-Sudani signifies a concerted effort to overcome historical tensions and build a foundation for sustained cooperation. By addressing shared security concerns, resolving energy disputes, and pursuing joint infrastructure projects, Turkey and Iraq are taking significant steps toward enhancing bilateral relations and promoting stability in the region.