Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is leading a high-level delegation to Turkey, his first visit to the neighboring country since taking office in May.

Accompanied by ministers and senior officials, al-Zaidi’s visit on Tuesday will focus on “strategic cooperation” between the two countries, as well as issues related to security, water and the economy, according to government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi.

Relations between Iraq and Turkey have fluctuated over the past decade but remained a priority for both sides, particularly for Iraq in relation to oil and water resources.

The US-Israel war on Iran in February and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have elevated Ankara’s importance for Baghdad, prompting it to press Turkish authorities to resume oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline.

The two countries are seeking to sign a new oil pipeline agreement. A source from Iraq’s Ministry of Oil told Al Jazeera that Turkey wants to increase the transit fee from $1.35 per barrel to $7, and the export capacity must not be less than 1.5 million barrels per day.

During his visit, al-Zaidi is also expected to discuss the Development Route project – a 1,200 km rail and highway network connecting Iraq’s al-Fao port to the Turkey-Syria border.

Water management is also a priority. Iraq blames Turkey for building dams that have affected the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The most sensitive issue is security, particularly the presence of Turkish forces in northern Iraq to fight the PKK. Although the PKK announced steps towards disarmament in mid-2025, Turkey still views the group as a threat.

Despite challenges, there is broad support in Iraq for strengthening ties with Turkey. However, political analyst Issam al-Faily noted that covert Turkish-Iranian rivalry may hinder al-Zaidi’s aspirations.

Source: www.aljazeera.com