Prime Minister Al-Sudani and President Erdogan met in Istanbul to discuss a unified response to the Gaza and Lebanon crises, emphasizing humanitarian aid and regional stability while also strengthening Iraq-Türkiye economic and diplomatic ties.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met at Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul to address regional crises and strengthen bilateral ties. Their discussions focused on the escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon, advocating for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction support. The leaders called for unified action from Arab, Islamic, and international bodies to protect civilians and preserve Palestinian sovereignty. They also explored advancing Iraq-Türkiye relations, particularly in trade, water resource management, and development sectors, emphasizing cooperation as essential for regional stability and prosperity.
**Prime Minister Al-Sudani and President Erdogan Strengthen Ties and Discuss Regional Peace Efforts in Istanbul Meeting**
*Istanbul, Türkiye* – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a significant meeting today at the historic Vahdettin Mansion, discussing critical regional developments, bilateral cooperation, and shared concerns about rising tensions across the Middle East. The two leaders focused primarily on the escalating conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, where aggressive actions from the Zionist entity have deepened humanitarian crises and posed a severe threat to stability in the region.
In the discussions, Prime Minister Al-Sudani and President Erdogan aligned on a common goal: advocating for peace and stability in the Middle East by unifying Arab and Islamic nations against further violence. They called for a collective stance among regional and international organizations, emphasizing the role of the United Nations in ensuring an immediate ceasefire, protecting civilian lives, and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid.
Both leaders expressed alarm at the rapid escalation of violence and underscored the need for an international response. They appealed directly to Arab and Islamic countries to show solidarity with Gaza and Lebanon, urging them to support a unified effort to end the hostilities. The leaders proposed a coordinated response to safeguard the welfare of civilians and reaffirmed their commitment to support Palestinian communities, ensuring their rights and historic presence are protected.
The situation in Gaza has led to significant civilian casualties, with large numbers of families displaced and critical infrastructure destroyed. Prime Minister Al-Sudani and President Erdogan stressed the importance of humanitarian intervention, urging global powers and humanitarian agencies to increase their relief efforts. The two leaders outlined several priorities for international support, including facilitating aid convoys, opening humanitarian corridors, and rebuilding essential infrastructure in affected areas. Erdogan noted the need for Türkiye, Iraq, and other countries in the region to work together in setting up long-term reconstruction plans that would allow Palestinian communities to rebuild and sustain their livelihoods.
In addition to the immediate regional crisis, Al-Sudani and Erdogan discussed advancing Iraq-Türkiye bilateral relations. Acknowledging their countries’ intertwined histories and shared economic interests, they reviewed several key projects and agreements that could bolster both nations’ economies. One of the primary topics was enhancing trade and economic cooperation, with both leaders recognizing the potential for increased trade between Türkiye and Iraq. They explored new frameworks to facilitate commerce, streamline customs processes, and improve cross-border trade routes, which would benefit both economies and strengthen their economic resilience.
The leaders also revisited memorandums of understanding and joint agreements in various development sectors, including energy, water management, infrastructure, and investment. Türkiye has invested significantly in Iraq, particularly in sectors like construction and energy, and both leaders expressed enthusiasm for building on these foundations. Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s interest in Türkiye’s technological and infrastructural expertise, while Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s development agenda.
One key area of bilateral focus was water resource management, as both Iraq and Türkiye share critical river systems that require collaborative management to ensure sustainability. With recent droughts and water shortages impacting the region, Al-Sudani and Erdogan agreed on the importance of developing sustainable practices for river usage, irrigation, and agricultural planning. They discussed establishing joint task forces to address water issues, seeking long-term strategies that would safeguard resources for both nations.
In concluding the talks, Prime Minister Al-Sudani and President Erdogan expressed optimism for the future of Iraq-Türkiye relations and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and mutual support. They emphasized that, amid regional crises, unity and cooperation among neighboring nations are essential for lasting stability. Both leaders extended invitations to further meetings and collaborative projects, underlining that the future prosperity and peace of the Middle East depend on sustained partnership and shared efforts.
This meeting marked a milestone in Iraq-Türkiye diplomatic relations and underscored both countries’ roles as key players in promoting peace, development, and humanitarian aid in the region.
