Baghdad: Iraq and Turkey have finalized the draft of the general agreement for implementing infrastructure projects and developing the transport sector. This agreement stems from the framework memorandum of understanding signed by Iraqi Transport Minister Wahab al-Hassani with the Turkish side at the end of July. This step paves the way for obtaining government approvals, the official signing, and the transition to the contractual implementation phase.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Transport stated in a press release that the draft was finalized after four days of intensive negotiations in Baghdad, which continued until late last night. Representatives from the Ministries of Transport, Oil, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, the Central Bank of Iraq, the State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), and Iraqi technical bodies participated, along with representatives from the Turkish Ministries of Transport, Infrastructure, Energy, and Foreign Affairs, and the Agricultural Bank of Turkey.

The statement indicated that the discussions focused on finalizing the legal, technical, and financial aspects and defining implementation mechanisms to ensure clarity regarding mutual obligations and rights, as well as the requirements of the targeted projects.

After finalizing the draft agreement, both sides agreed to submit it to the highest government authorities in both countries for final approval and completion of the necessary procedures before official signing, according to the statement.