Ankara Summit: Iraq, Turkiye focus on bilateral cooperation
According to al-Sudani's media office, the meeting centered on implementing agreements signed in April 2024, covering counterterrorism coordination, border security, water resource management, and economic integration—particularly the Development Road Project.
The summit coincided with the fourth session of the Iraq–Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Erdoğan praised al-Sudani's leadership, describing Iraq as a 'key stabilizing force' in the region. 'We welcome Iraq's constructive role, thanks to the wisdom of Prime Minister al-Sudani … we will continue to strengthen this partnership.'
The Turkish president also urged regional countries to contribute to the Development Road Project, calling it a critical infrastructure initiative.
Speaking earlier at a forum organized by Anadolu Agency, the Iraqi Prime Minister reiterated that Iraqi-Turkish relations are 'an integral part of the regional stability equation,' emphasizing the Development Road as 'one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the Middle East.'
Al-Sudani warned that 'the Israeli government, under Benjamin Netanyahu, is attempting to drag the entire region into war,' and stressed that Iraq's foreign policy prioritizes de-escalation and regional balance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rudaw Net
an hour ago
- Rudaw Net
Iraqi authorities arrest PMF members linked to attack on state institution
Also in Iraq Iraq to hit 52 degrees Celsius amid scorching summer Iraq sees drop in wheat production amid summer drought MP says Iraq can withdraw from maritime agreement with Kuwait MPs slam Baghdad for banning Kurdish in disputed areas A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least one Iraqi officer and several other personnel were injured in an 'armed assault' at an Iraqi agriculture ministry office in western Baghdad on Sunday, Iraqi authorities confirmed, adding that more than a dozen suspects linked to the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been arrested in connection with the attack. In a statement, the Security Media Cell of the Joint Operations Command said that 'a reprehensible incident' occurred at the ministry's Karkh district office on Sunday morning, resulting in injuries among security forces. 'Security forces were able to arrest 14 suspects' who were identified as members of the PMF's 'brigades 45 and 46,' the Cell added, noting that the suspects 'have been referred to the judiciary, with legal proceedings underway.' Brigades 45 and 46 are affiliated with the Kata'ib Hezbollah - a powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Washington holds Kata'ib Hezbollah, a key player in the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance,' responsible for numerous attacks on US assets in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. In response to Sunday's incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani - who also serves as commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, including the PMF - 'has ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee' to probe 'how an armed force acted without official orders or approvals, attempted to seize a government building, and opened fire on security units,' the Security Media Cell added. In a previous statement on Sunday, the Iraqi interior ministry noted that 'the incident coincided with a newly appointed director beginning his duties,' adding that Iraqi federal police units and Karkh emergency patrols 'quickly intervened and came under direct gunfire, resulting in several officers and personnel sustaining various injuries.' The ministry noted that 'search and pursuit operations are ongoing' to apprehend remaining suspects, affirming its strong condemnation and stressing that Iraqi forces 'will not tolerate any party attempting to impose a de facto situation by force or threaten state institutions. 'Upholding the authority of the state and the rule of law remains a top and non-negotiable priority,' the ministry emphasized. This is not the first time Kata'ib Hezbollah has been linked to clashes with Iraqi state forces. Previous incidents include a firefight with federal police in Baghdad in May 2023 and a confrontation with the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service at Camp Speicher in March 2023. The group has also been accused of participating in the violent crackdown on the October 2019 - Tishreen Movement - pro-reform demonstrations across Iraq and of involvement in the November 2021 assassination attempt on then-prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi via a drone attack on his Green Zone residence. The incident notably occurred shortly after clashes between security forces and supporters of Iran-backed armed groups protesting election results. While Kata'ib Hezbollah has strongly denied involvement, the use of explosive-laden drones, a hallmark of Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups, and Kadhimi's then-perceived alignment with the US fueled widespread belief in their responsibility.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US envoy warns Lebanon over delays in disarming Hezbollah
Shafaq News – Beirut On Saturday, the US Special Envoy to Lebanon, Tom Barrack, warned that failure to enforce decision to restrict arms to the state could extend Lebanon's political and security paralysis. In a post on X, Barrack underscored that 'the credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with practice,' referencing repeated statements by Lebanese leaders asserting that the state must hold 'a monopoly on arms.' The credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with practice. As its leaders have said repeatedly, it is critical that 'the state has a monopoly on arms.' As long as Hizballah retains arms, words will not suffice. The government and Hizballah… — Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 27, 2025 During his latest visit to Lebanon, the US envoy stated that the process for addressing Hezbollah's armament includes clear deadlines, one of which is set for August 1.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Two killed in Baghdad ministry gunfight
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi counterterrorism forces were deployed to southern Baghdad after gunmen stormed a Ministry of Agriculture office, killing two people and wounding 12 others, the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday. According to a statement, the incident took place in the al-Dora district during an administrative meeting at the Baghdad Agriculture Directorate. One of the fatalities was believed to be a passerby caught in the crossfire, while the injured included ministry employees and members of the security services. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed the formation of a high-level investigative committee. Based on its findings, security forces detained 14 suspects affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), specifically from brigades 45 and 46. The suspects were referred to the judiciary for legal proceedings. A security source informed Shafaq News that the violence was triggered by a dispute over the transfer of the director's post. The outgoing official, linked to the PMF, had refused to cede the position to a newly appointed successor, who also had ties to the same paramilitary group. The appointee later returned accompanied by armed supporters, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the rival factions. Units from the Baghdad Operations Command, the Federal Police, and the PMF Security Directorate were also dispatched to the site and managed to restore order. No further incidents were recorded following their deployment. The clash drew criticism from lawmaker Sajad Salem, who condemned the lack of decisive action by the security leadership. 'The Iraqi military, with its proud history, is now unfortunately humiliated and defeated because of the cowardice of some of its commanders and their fear of miserable, degraded gangs,' Salem posted on X. الأجهزة الامنية العراقية تعيش حالة من الذعر والجُبن في الدفاع عن منتسبيها وتخشى كشف اسم العصابة التي اشتبكت معهم في منطقة الدورة قبل قليل.العسكرية العراقية بتاريخها الحافل مُهانة ومنهزمة للأسف بسبب جُبن بعض قادتها وخشيتهم من عصابات بائسة ذليلة. — سجاد سالم (@sajadShussein) July 27, 2025
