Baghdad: Minister of Water Resources, Awn Dhiab Abdullah, confirmed today that Iraq has no binding agreement with Turkey regarding water sharing with specific quotas, noting that Iraq is experiencing its most challenging year yet due to climate change.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Minister addressed the Council of Representatives, highlighting the severe circumstances Iraq faces this year as a result of both climate change and Turkey’s utilization of water resources within its territory. The Minister emphasized the urgency of tackling the water crisis by exploring alternatives, such as seawater desalination, to meet the needs of southern governorates.

He stressed the importance of accelerating the completion of ongoing projects, which are currently progressing slowly. Additionally, he mentioned the potential of reusing treated water by returning it to the river and adopting modern irrigation techniques in place of outdated practices, which require significant planning and resources.

The Minister clarified that Iraq does not have any binding agreement with Turkey regarding water sharing with specific quotas. He pointed out that international water agreements mandate upstream countries to avoid harming the interests of downstream countries. The ministry’s stance on the current framework agreement, he added, does not equate to a formal agreement.