Ankara: Water Resources Minister Aoun Dhiab Abdullah announced that Iraq has requested Turkey to increase water releases to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by one billion cubic meters for October and November. This request includes a release rate of 500 cubic meters per second for each river.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Minister predicted a wet season starting in December, emphasizing the need for increased water releases to boost Iraq's water supplies over the next 50 days. The request was made during a visit to Ankara by an official Iraqi delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, along with representatives from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, Environment, and the Kurdistan Region.

The discussions in Ankara focused on water resource management and regulation to serve the common interests of both nations. Dhiab highlighted the severe challenges facing Iraq's water resources, noting this year as the most difficult for Iraq since 1933. The Turkish side expressed its willingness to assist Iraq despite the regional drought affecting Turkey as well. An agreement was reached on a draft framework that will be signed in Baghdad, aiming to implement significant irrigation projects and water harvesting dams with the involvement of major Turkish companies.

This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between Iraq and Turkey for sustainable and equitable water resource management.