Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed developments in the region and the events in Syria. The Prime Minister’s media office stated: “Al-Sudani received Fidan today, Sunday. During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed, and a number of regional and international issues of common interest were discussed, especially developments in the region and the events in Syria.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, they also discussed the developments in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the ceasefire. The two sides discussed unifying efforts between the countries of the region in order to support their stability.

The Prime Minister stressed Iraq’s readiness to coordinate between the countries of the region, especially with Turkey, regarding the developments witnessed in the regional arena. He reiterated Iraq’s rejection of Syria being an arena for conflict, emphasizing the need for stability due to its impact on the region in general.

Regarding joint cooperation with Turkey, Al-Sudani stressed the government’s follow-up of the bilateral relations file and the implementation of the memoranda of understanding signed during his visit to Ankara last November, as well as President Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad in April of last year.

For his part, Fidan conveyed the greetings of the Turkish President to the Prime Minister and expressed his country’s desire to closely coordinate with Iraq regarding developments in the region. He emphasized the desire to advance cooperation in bilateral relations, reflecting on the mutual visits of Al-Sudani and the Turkish President.

The Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated his country’s seriousness in working on the Strategic Development Road project, as well as cooperation in light of the memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries in the fields of energy, education, trade exchange, banking cooperation, and other fields.