Iraqi PM, Erdogan discuss Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, Development Road in phone call

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call to review cooperation on oil, water and the Development Road project, according to a statement from Sudani's media office. Resuming and expanding Iraqi oil exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to reach European markets was a central item on the agenda, with both sides framing it as serving their economic interests. The two leaders stressed the need to maintain dialogue and coordination on shared water issues and to reach agreements safeguarding mutual interests. They also examined options for expanding economic and development partnership through memoranda of understanding in gas, agriculture and other sectors. Erdogan invited Sudani to visit Ankara at the end of July to discuss bilateral files and cooperation steps, particularly advancing the Development Road, a regional project aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties between Iraq, Turkey and neighboring countries. Sudani urged Turkish companies to seize investment opportunities across Iraqi sectors and expand their presence in the country. Further details on the timeline of the planned visit were not immediately available.