Baghdad, Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi held separate and intensive diplomatic talks in Baghdad on Wednesday with the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Anil Bora Inan, and the British Ambassador, Irfan Siddiq. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to serve mutual interests. They also discussed ways to support stability in the Middle East and de-escalate rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Security coordination and vital files with the Turkish side
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in an official statement that Al-Zaidi received Turkish Ambassador Anil Bora Inan in their first meeting, during which they discussed in depth the trajectory of bilateral relations between Baghdad and Ankara.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing joint cooperation in various strategic sectors. They also discussed the resumption and implementation of mechanisms for exporting Iraqi oil, as well as developing water management methods and addressing drought. Furthermore, they addressed advancing the strategic “Development Road” project linking the Gulf to Turkey and Europe. The two sides also discussed increasing security coordination to control their shared border in a way that serves the peace and security of both countries.
On the regional front, the meeting reviewed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with al-Zaidi and Inan emphasizing the critical importance of supporting direct and indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran. They also stressed the necessity of adopting diplomatic solutions and constructive dialogue as the only way to ensure lasting stability in the region and the world.
Strategic partnership and dialogue with Britain
In the second meeting, the Iraqi Prime Minister received the British Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq. A separate statement from al-Zaidi’s office indicated that the meeting reviewed the historical and bilateral relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and political cooperation. Strategic partnerships were also reinforced, opening new horizons for integration and mutual investment.
The statement noted that the meeting extensively addressed current regional and international developments. Both sides stressed the need for concerted efforts to reduce polarization in the region. Furthermore, dialogue was adopted as a fundamental option for crisis management, sparing the peoples of the region the dangers of war and its catastrophic consequences, and contributing to the strengthening of regional and international security.
These diplomatic moves by Baghdad aim to solidify Iraq’s role as a stabilizing force and a positive mediator in defusing crises in the Middle East.
