Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkish Petroleum has secured a partnership in Iraq’s Kirkuk production field, describing the newly signed agreement as “a historic step” in bilateral energy cooperation.

According to TRTworld.com, President Erdogan shared the development during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara. Erdogan emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating, “Kirkuk production field has been granted to Turkish Petroleum as a partner. The agreement signed today has been a historic step in terms of partnership in the energy sector.”

During the conference, Erdogan and al-Zaidi also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly concerning Iran, Syria, and Palestine. Erdogan expressed Trkiye’s readiness to provide Iraq with the defense industry products it requires, underscoring Trkiye’s commitment to ensure that the region is characterized by development, prosperity, peace, and stability.

Erdogan highlighted the intertwined destinies of Trkiye and Iraq, emphasizing that Trkiye has never viewed Iraq’s peace and stability as separate from its own. He noted that Iraq has been significantly affected by war and instability over the years.

Additionally, Erdogan mentioned the Development Road Project, which aims to connect the Gulf to global markets through Iraq. He stressed the growing importance of this project in light of current regional developments.

On security matters, the Turkish president stated that Ankara is in continuous dialogue with Iraq to advance its goal of a “terror-free Trkiye” and its broader vision of a “terror-free region.”