In a bid to strengthen regional stability and foster closer ties, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to embark on a significant diplomatic mission, with visits planned to both Baghdad and Erbil. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced this pivotal move in a press conference held on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of this diplomatic endeavor in promoting cooperation and development across various sectors.

Preparations for President Erdogan's visit have been underway for an extensive period, signaling the depth of commitment to ensuring its success. Minister Fidan highlighted the comprehensive nature of the agenda, revealing that over 20 agreements spanning critical areas such as security, energy, agriculture, water, health, and education are set to be signed during the visit.

Of notable significance is the strategic framework agreement aimed at furthering regional stability and development, underscoring Turkey's steadfast support for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's initiatives in this regard. Minister Fidan emphasized Turkey's dedication to this cause, affirming the forthcoming signing of the agreement as a tangible manifestation of this support.

The visit will also see engagements with officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil, where discussions will focus on reinforcing bilateral relations and cooperation. This reaffirmation of support underscores Turkey's commitment to fostering robust ties with the Kurdistan Region.

This diplomatic mission follows Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani's visit to Turkey on March 21, 2023, during which discussions on critical issues, including the water crisis, took place. The economic collaboration between Turkey and Iraq has been substantial, with bilateral trade reaching $15 billion in 2022, with a significant portion of goods passing through the Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) border near the Zakho independent administration of the Kurdistan Region.

President Erdogan's forthcoming visit underscores Turkey's proactive approach to regional diplomacy and its commitment to advancing stability, prosperity, and cooperation in the Middle East. As both countries navigate shared challenges and opportunities, this diplomatic engagement holds the promise of yielding tangible benefits for all stakeholders involved.