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Baghdad-INA
Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani set today, Monday, the goals of his upcoming visit to Turkey, while pledging to provide for the needs of citizens.
Al-Sudani said in an article prior to his visit to Turkey, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the visit to Turkey acquires special importance at this particular time, with the positive developments taking place in the Middle East in terms of strengthening cooperation between countries, and mobilizing efforts to achieve and advance economic integration forward, resolving differences based on the methodology of prudent dialogue that prevails over interest and elevates cooperation between neighbors in order to achieve the interests of peoples.
He added, "We will focus in our discussions with the Turkish side on strengthening Iraqi-Turkish relations in all fields, especially the economic field, and as we look forward to implementing economic projects in the energy and transport sectors, and transforming Iraq into a center for global trade between Asia and Europe through the great port of Faw project and everything related to it, economic zones, residential complexes, and tourist attractions.
He stated that "the project of the great port of Faw will include the dry canal lane, which will be formed by a highway and a railway line, and will pass through Diwaniyah, Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, and Mosul, and extend to the Turkish border, allowing access to the port of Mersin and Europe via Istanbul," explaining, "We will discuss the details of these projects with the Turkish officials, as part of our efforts to strengthen the economic and trade partnership with Turkey, with which Iraq's trade balance has reached about $20 billion, represented in Turkish imports of chemical products, seeds, grains, legumes, furniture, medicines and medical supplies, and Iraqi exports to Turkey concentrated in oil.
Regarding the security level, Al-Sudani said, "Border control will be included of the talks, as well as joint cooperation between Iraq and Turkey, especially in the intelligence aspect and information exchange."
On water quotas, the Prime Minister confirmed that "the water problem will occupy a space of discussion in Ankara," appreciating "the efforts of the Turkish side to increase the water quotas that came from behind the dams to Iraq."
“Pointing out, "We will affirm our full solidarity with our Turkish neighbors in their painful affliction after the great earthquake, and we will continue to provide all the assistance they need in this regard."
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