Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu met with IKRG Prime Minister, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani on March 15, 2014, in Van.

Speaking at the joint press conference following the meetings, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that it was agreed to build the third bridge at the Habur border gate and to take practical steps with a view to opening Aktepe, Ovaköy, Gülyazı, Üzümlü and Derecik border gates. “This is a great Newroz gift to our citizens living in this region and our brothers in Iraq”.

Touching on the trade relations between Turkey and Iraq, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed that with the trade volume of 12 billion dollars, Iraq is Turkey’s second-biggest export market following Germany.

“Our biggest expectation is to overcome the disputes and difficulties concerning the oil export from Iraq and budget issue” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and added that increasing of welfare of Iraq is among Turkey’s strategic priorities.