ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s recent visit to Istanbul has garnered significant attention, focusing on discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about regional developments and enhancing bilateral relations. The visit, which took place on Friday, was aimed at addressing the increasing threats to peace and stability in the region and exploring avenues for economic collaboration.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, during their meeting at the Vahiddin Palace, Al-Sudani and Erdogan deliberated on the escalating tensions in the region, particularly the ongoing aggression by the Zionist entity against Gaza and Lebanon. They emphasized the importance of unifying positions to face these challenges and urged international and regional organizations to support efforts towards a ceasefire and reconstruction initiatives. The discussions also covered bilateral relations, focusing on activating memoranda of understanding and joint agreements in various economic sectors.
Erdogan hi
ghlighted the Development Road project, stressing its potential benefits for both countries. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iraq, emphasizing the historical and cultural connections between the two nations. The Turkish President expressed determination to pursue necessary steps to achieve the project’s objectives, which he believes will enhance cooperation and bring mutual advantages.
Simultaneously, Al-Sabah newspaper reported on the heavy rainfall affecting Iraq, warning of potential floods and damage in the Kurdistan Region. The General Authority for Meteorology indicated a low-pressure system causing significant rainfall, particularly in the central and southern regions. Precautionary measures have been taken by local authorities to mitigate the impact, with the Baghdad Municipality actively working to drain rainwater.
In another development, Al-Zaman newspaper detailed Iraq’s voluntary reduction in oil production as part of its commitment to OPEC’s agreements. This move ai
ms to stabilize the global oil market, with production reduced to 3.3 million barrels per day. The decision aligns with Iraq’s strategy to enhance market balance and compensate for overproduction in previous months.
The visit to Istanbul also coincided with a notable increase in trade between Iraq and Turkey, with Iraq ranking fourth among importers of Turkish goods in September, exceeding one billion dollars. This surge in trade underscores the strengthening economic ties between the neighboring countries.