Iraq's al-Sudani, Erdogan discuss Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, water file and Development Road

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, focusing on energy, water and the Development Road project. According to a statement from al-Sudani's press office, the two leaders discussed mechanisms for exporting Iraqi oil through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and delivering it to European markets. Water was also on the agenda, with both sides stressing the need to keep dialogue going and reach agreements serving their mutual interests. They also reviewed plans to sign cooperation deals in the gas and agriculture sectors and to deepen economic ties. On the Development Road project, the leaders agreed on its strategic importance and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing its implementation, the statement said. Erdogan invited al-Sudani to visit Ankara in late July, where bilateral files and the project's rollout are expected to be addressed. Al-Sudani, in turn, encouraged Turkish companies to take advantage of investment opportunities in Iraq, pointing to the role of the private sector in expanding economic relations between the two countries. No further details on the timing of the visit or specific agreements were immediately provided.