Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu visited Iraq for meetings in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil on 28-29 April 2019.

On 28 April 2019 Minister Çavuşoğlu met with Foreign Minister Mohamad Alhakim of Iraq in Baghdad.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey would use 5 billion dollar pledged for the reconstruction of Iraq in strategic infrastructure projects in areas destroyed by DEASH and that Turkish companies would participate in those projects.

On the same day Minister Çavuşoğlu was received by Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi of Iraq.

Minister Çavuşoğlu emphasized that we would reach 20 billion dollar target set for Turkey- Iraq trade volume and that we would fight together to eradicate PKK from Iraq.

Minister Çavuşoğlu also met with Turkmen representatives at the Council of Representatives of Iraq.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that as founding entity of Iraq and third largest ethnic group, security of Turkmens and protection of their rights and interests was one of our main priorities.

Later that day, Minister Çavuşoğlu met also with the Speaker of the Council of Representatives Muhammed Halbusi of Iraq.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey was ready to share her expertise on water management with Iraq and Turkey-Iraq relations would further strengthen thanks to our Parliaments.

Before leaving Baghdad, Minister Çavuşoğlu visited the new Embassy building to be inaugurated soon.

Minister Çavuşoğlu went to Basra after Baghdad.

Minister Çavuşoğlu met there with Governor Assad Al Eidani and leaders of Basra tribes.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that with its strategic location and natural resources, Basra was the economic capital of Iraq and that we would establish a trade corridor from Turkey to Basra.

Minister Çavuşoğlu went to Erbil after Basra.

On 29 April 2019 Minister Çavuşoğlu met with representatives of Iraqi Turkmen Front.

Minister Çavuşoğlu emphasized that our Turkmen brothers and sisters, the second largest ethnic group of the KRG and the third of Iraq, should be duly represented both in Iraq and the KRG.

On the same day, Minister Çavuşoğlu met also with Chancellor of Security of the KRG, Masrour Barzani.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey and KRG would focus on fighting together against terrorism of PKK, DEASH and FETO and would increase our trade and investment relations with KRG.

Later that day, Minister Çavuşoğlu met also with Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani of KRG.

Minister Çavuşoğlu emphasized that opening a second border gate in Fishabour would be beneficial both for Iraq and KRG and stated that Turkey supports activities of our businessmen.

Finally, Minister Çavuşoğlu met also with Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani of KRG.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stressed that Turkey develops relations with all areas and groups in Iraq and that would also be more present in Sulaymaniyah with our private sector and businessmen.