BAGHDAD (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was set to make his first official visit to Iraq in more than a decade on Monday as his country seeks greater cooperation from Baghdad in its fight against a Kurdish militant group that has a foothold in northern Iraq.
Other issues also loom large between the two countries, including water supply issues and exports of oil and gas from northern Iraq to Turkey, which have been halted for more than a year.
Erdogan’s last visit to Iraq was in 2011, when he was Turkey’s prime minister.
Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement that Erdogan’s visit will be a “major starting point in Iraqi-Turkish relations” and will include the signing of a deal on a “joint approach to security challenges” and a “strategic agreement on the water file,” among other issues.
Erdogan has said his country plans to launch a major operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist movement banned in Turkey and with operations in Iraq, during the summer, with the aim of “permanently” eradicating the threat it poses.
Married couple are charged with fraud after 'dine
Election 2024: Puerto Rico Republicans award Trump all 23 delegates
From flooding in Brazil and Houston to brutal heat in Asia, extreme weather seems nearly everywhere
Macron takes part in charity soccer game, showing off sporting prowess
Attempt to expedite ethics probe of Minnesota state senator charged with burglary fails on tie vote
Chinese economy to provide more opportunities for cooperation
How YOU can lower your council tax by challenging it