Erdoğan: Iraqi-Turkish trade exchange increased to $20 billion

INA - BAGHDAD

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan revealed on Monday that the trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey had increased to $20 billion, affirming his support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital.

“Iraq is a neighboring country, and we have many commonalities. We have a political will to push Iraq-Turkey relations forward," said Erdoğan, during the joint press conference with PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani at the government palace in Baghdad, followed up by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He noted, "The MOUs that were signed represent a turning point in our relations with Iraq. The necessary coordination will be provided to ensure the full implementation of the agreements signed with Iraq."

The Turkish President stated that “cooperation in the security and counterterrorism files was discussed with the Prime Minister,” stressing his readiness to provide support to the Iraqi government in counterterrorism.”

"The trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey has increased to $20 billion," adding, "We are determined to participate in the Development Road to achieve commercial development."

“We established a Turkish-Iraqi committee to solve the water problem on a scientific and rational basis,” he added, explaining that “the effects of Zionist oppression in Gaza were discussed and we consulted on joint steps to calm the situation. We support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital."

"Discussions were made to establish a permanent committee to follow up on the water issue with Iraq," he included, stressing that "he will visit Erbil after Baghdad to discuss joint relations."

The Turkish President concluded, "I thank Prime Minister Muhammed S. Al-Sudani for his warm hospitality."