Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 2, 2025. Iraq and Türkiye on Sunday signed an executive mechanism for implementing a water cooperation agreement, a move hailed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani as "one of the sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Iraq." (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
BAGHDAD, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iraq and Türkiye on Sunday signed an executive mechanism for implementing a water cooperation agreement, a move hailed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani as "one of the sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Iraq."
A statement by al-Sudani's media office said that the mechanism was signed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his visiting Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.
Al-Sudani emphasized that the agreement would be implemented through joint major project packages in the water sector. He also stated that the mechanism would enhance bilateral relations and contribute to their growth in various fields.
The signing occurred at the conclusion of Fidan's visit to Baghdad, where he met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. A statement from the presidency said that during the meeting, Rashid called for "a fair and balanced approach to water sharing that safeguards Iraq's established rights in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers."
"We must enhance water management practices to reduce waste and achieve long-term sustainability," Rashid added.
Iraq and Türkiye signed a 10-year management plan in 2024 for the water resources of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which originate in Türkiye's north and flow into southern Iraq. Iraq has long voiced concerns about its shrinking share of the water. ■
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 2, 2025.
Iraq and Türkiye on Sunday signed an executive mechanism for implementing a water cooperation agreement, a move hailed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani as "one of the sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Iraq." (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
