Turkey has been affected more than any other country in the region by the complex problems arising from the wars, embargoes and internal strife in Iraq over the past few decades. All aspects of our bilateral relations, particularly in economic and security fields, have been negatively affected from such instabilities in Iraq.
Therefore, restoration of stability in Iraq, which is a microcosm of the Middle East, is among the priorities of Turkish foreign policy. Preservation of Iraq’s territorial integrity, strengthening its democracy, ensuring its stability, security and prosperity and Iraq’s re-integration with its neighbours and the international community constitute the main parameters of our foreign policy vis-à-vis Iraq. In this framework, Turkey strongly supports Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, political unity and territorial integrity. We attach importance to remaining in equal distance to all segments of the Iraqi society.
Until 2008, “Iraq’s Neighbouring Countries Process”, which was initiated by Turkey on the eve of Iraq’s invasion in 2003, played an important role in coordinating the efforts of Iraq’s neighbours and other interested countries, as well as international organizations, in contributing to stability and development of Iraq.
Establishment of the “High Level Strategic Cooperation Council” with Iraq in 2008, signing in this context of 48 Memoranda of Understanding in a broad array of cooperation fields, ranging from security to energy in 2009, opening of a Consulate-General in Erbil in 2010 in addition to those in Mosul and Basra, are important milestones in our bilateral relations. These steps are aimed at creation of a long-term mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Turkey and Iraq, through development of bilateral relations in all fields.
In 2011 Iraq became the second largest trading partner of Turkey. Furthermore, in addition to trade, the share of Turkish companies in construction contracts and Turkish investments in Iraq’s energy sector has also increased considerably.
Cooperation between Turkey and Iraq in the energy sector is also expanding. Iraq is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of hydrocarbon resources, but it has to develop its infrastructure, increase production and refining capacity and build new strategic pipelines. Turkey, with its strong private and public companies, offers important opportunities for cooperation in all those fields. Turkey can play a prominent role in delivering Iraqi oil and gas to international markets, thereby contributing both to the welfare of Iraq as well as to the energy security of Europe and the world through supply and route diversification.
The presence of the terrorist organisation PKK in the north of Iraq from where it stages attacks against Turkey constitutes a serious stumbling block in Turkish-Iraqi relations. Turkey, Iraq and the United States have established a Trilateral Mechanism to develop cooperation with a view to eradicating the presence of this terrorist organization on Iraqi territories. The Trilateral Mechanism continues to function in the aftermath of the withdrawal of the U.S. military forces from Iraq. Turkey is also engaged with the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq in order to help create a positive ground for these efforts.