Sudani: We had important understandings to sign during the presidential visit to Iraq

According to the international group Tasnim news agency, Iraqi Prime Minister Shia Mohammad al-Sudani in an interview with the network “Khaber Turk” news about the development road project between Turkey and Iraq said: This project starts from Port Faw and extends to Europe. The Faw port project started in 2005, but in the recent period, it has become more important and its first phase will be launched this year. The development road project can lead not only Iraq but also the region towards security and development.

He said regarding Erdoğan’s visit to Turkey: Security, economy and water are among the important axes between the two countries, which were also discussed during Mr. Erdoğan’s visit. .

Regarding the PKK challenge between Iraq and Turkey, Iraq also said: We do not allow any armed group to operate against the neighboring country. The law does not allow this and that is why we declared this group illegal. PKK has been based in Iraq under the title of refugee group since the 80s. Of course, we started security measures to limit this organization, and especially in camps like Makhmour camp, our security teams are present and they record the identity of the people present in the camp and after preparing the report, they submit it to the United Nations. Also, in order to prevent the security of neighboring Turkey from being affected, our security forces are stationed along the border line. He stated: We follow the presence of these people from the point of view of seeking asylum, domestic law and international law. But organizational activity cannot be allowed. 

It is possible to solve the PKK problem like Camp Ashraf, but Turkey must also make efforts

Sudani, in response to the question whether it is possible to do the same thing that was done about Camp Ashraf (regarding the dissidents and their evacuation from the camp) also about PKK elements, said: All solutions are possible. But Turkey must also make efforts in this regard. Some political actions can help us to solve this not so happy issue for us. This issue is part of the consolidated issues related to the past.

Our common experience with Iran can be repeated with TurkeyRegarding security, he said: Turkey and Iraq have coordination regarding security. Türkiye’s security and Iraq’s territorial sovereignty are two important issues that we were determined about. In this framework, we reached an understanding on a plan and coordination in the border areas. We also shared our common experience with our other neighbor Iran. We were successful in de-escalating tensions with Iran, and those areas achieved security and stability. We can do the same thing with Turkey.

The Prime Minister of Iraq said regarding the issue of water between the two countries: This issue has been raised for years as an important and strategic issue between the two countries. Everyone knows that Euphrates and Tigris are important sources of life in Iraq. 75% of Iraqi people are engaged in agriculture. In the past years, in some northern and even central areas of Iraq, we faced problems in supplying drinking water. Accordingly, we have been negotiating with our Turkish brothers to reach a permanent solution. They raised issues about the use of water in Iraq, which we also have the same point of view. Türkiye has good global experience in water management. About the construction of dams, water canals, corrective measures and agricultural projects, the experts of the two countries have spent a lot of efforts, and understandings have been reached, and these joint projects will start in the shortest time.

We had understandings about the development road project to Iran, which was supposed to be signed during the visit of the late Raisi

Sudanese regarding America’s position And Iran also stated about the development road project: We informed all the neighbors and countries and international forums about this project. After that, we started our talks with our neighbors, including Iran. We even had understandings with the late president of Iran, Mr. Raisi, in this regard, which was supposed to be signed during his visit to Iraq. Raisi was supposed to travel to Iraq on May 29. You know that Iran is an important neighbor that has a strategic position. China’s Silk Road project and Russia’s project (North-South Corridor) pass through Iran. The possibility of crossing these roads from Iraq is also possible, and it is possible through Syria to the Mediterranean and Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea. We see the request of all the surrounding countries to coordinate with the Iraq Development Road project and participate in this project. America did not have a negative position in this regard, on the contrary, we have always witnessed this country’s support for development projects. He was constructive and reformer

In response to the question of what will happen to your relations with Iran after the death of Ebrahim Raisi, he said: This was a very bitter incident. Mr. Raisi, the president of Iran, was very respected, very constructive and conciliatory. Undoubtedly, our relations with Iran are very strategic and will not be greatly affected by this incident. The absence of Raisi was a great loss, but there are institutions that ensure continuity. We met with Mr. Mokhbar and he confirmed the continuation of the political, strategic and economic process between the two countries. We are always with the Palestinian people. He said: We have a principled and central approach to Arman Felsin. Our position regarding Israel’s occupation and attacks after October 7 is clear. These attacks showed the fakeness of the international assemblies and the real face of the occupying Israel. We also appreciate Türkiye’s principled position, especially in the recent period when it boycotted Israel. We are with the Palestinian people, we also support their resistance and struggle. We are not

Sudanese in response to the question whether Iraq supports the two-state plan in Palestine? He stated: We have a law that punishes people who want to give legitimacy to Israel. The establishment of Israel is a clear occupation that has usurped the rights of the Palestinian people. As the government, we are also on this path and have the responsibility to implement the law.

We are looking for mediation between Syria and Turkey

Regarding whether you talked with Erdogan and Assad about this, Sudani added: “Definitely meetings and talks in this regard.” It continues and hopefully there will be steps in this regard soon.

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