BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 9. As Western Asia undergoes profound geopolitical changes, Iraq and Türkiye are forging a new phase of cooperation, overcoming long-standing tensions. This pivotal shift in bilateral relations is driven by mutual interests in security, economic collaboration, and countering external threats, making their partnership more critical than ever. In 2024, with mounting international and regional challenges, Baghdad and Ankara are reassessing their strategic positions, opting for pragmatic cooperation.
Historically, relations between Türkiye and Iraq have been strained by a series of complex issues, including the presence of Turkish forces on Iraqi soil battling Kurdish militants, as well as disputes over water resources and oil supplies. For decades, Baghdad has consistently condemned Türkiye's actions as a violation of its sovereignty. Yet, in 2024, both nations are embarking on a fundamental reassessment of these conflicts, focusing on developing long-term, collaborative strategies to address shared challenges.
Key Developments in 2024
One of the most notable milestones in this rapprochement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2024. This agreement focuses on joint efforts in combating terrorism and enhancing military cooperation. The MoU marks a significant step toward establishing a joint security and coordination center in Baghdad, which will enable both nations to maintain ongoing information exchange and coordinate actions against Kurdish separatist groups such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). For Türkiye, the fight against the PKK remains a top priority, especially as attacks on its southern regions have intensified. Iraq's decision to officially designate the PKK as a terrorist organization in 2023 set the stage for closer cooperation between the two countries in addressing this persistent threat.
According to data from 2024, Türkiye and Iraq have experienced a 20% increase in bilateral trade, largely driven by the implementation of the ambitious infrastructure project known as the "Development Road," introduced by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in May 2023. This project involves the construction of railways and highways linking Iraq and Türkiye with Europe, representing a direct response to the potential competition posed by the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Iraq-Türkiye project has already attracted significant investment, particularly from Gulf nations.
Economic Priorities and Challenges
In 2024, maintaining a strong foothold in regional and global trade is the foremost economic priority for both Iraq and Türkiye. IMEC, backed by the U.S., Israel, and several Gulf states, excludes Iraq and Türkiyefrom its framework, intensifying the need for alternative strategies. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has voiced sharp criticism of IMEC, declaring, "Without Türkiye, there is no corridor," highlighting Türkiye’s indispensable role as a key transit hub between Asia and Europe.
The "Development Road" project has emerged as a central initiative for both Ankara and Baghdad in addressing these challenges. The inclusion of Iraq’s Grand Port of Al-Faw in the project opens new opportunities for Iraq to enhance its presence in global trade, while also reinforcing Türkiye’s pivotal role in international logistics. Against this backdrop, the total volume of bilateral trade between Iraq and Türkiye has surpassed $15 billion in 2024, reflecting a 25% increase compared to the previous year.
Security Remains Paramount
Yet, robust economic cooperation cannot flourish without ensuring security. In 2024, maintaining stability in Iraq remains a critical issue in bilateral talks. The Kurdish question continues to be a focal point of the discussions. Despite Iraq’s efforts to further integrate its semi-autonomous Kurdish region, the threat of terrorist attacks by the PKK persists. Joint operations, supported by Türkiye, have yielded positive results, but the complete eradication of this threat requires long-term, sustained efforts.
In April 2024, Türkiye and Iraq held joint military exercises in Iraq’s northern regions, underscoring both nations' readiness to enhance their security coordination. These exercises were also aimed at bolstering the capabilities of Iraq’s military forces to effectively combat separatist groups, reflecting a new level of trust and cooperation between Baghdad and Ankara.
Looking Ahead
Strategic cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq in 2024 is a crucial element in the broader reconfiguration of power dynamics in the region. As external players such as the U.S. and Gulf states seek to reshape economic and political alliances across Western Asia, both Türkiye and Iraq recognize the necessity of strengthening their bilateral ties. While challenges remain—such as competition from IMEC and unresolved tensions over the Kurdish issue—they should not undermine the growing commitment of both nations to a mutually beneficial partnership.
Looking ahead, experts predict that Iraq and Türkiye will continue to expand their economic and military cooperation. The "Development Road" project has already secured over $3 billion in investments, reflecting the serious intentions of both nations to move forward. Furthermore, their coordinated actions on security matters are laying the groundwork for sustained regional stability and growth.
By overcoming past divisions, Iraq and Türkiye are entering a new era of cooperation, one that could serve as a model for other nations in the region facing similar challenges. In the context of increasing global competition and shifting strategic interests, this partnership is set to become a cornerstone of regional stability and economic prosperity.