Türkiye Secures Partnership In Iraq's Kirkuk Oil Field As Erdogan Hails Historic Energy Deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish Petroleum has secured a partnership in Iraq's Kirkuk oil field, calling the agreement a historic step in energy cooperation. Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi also discussed regional security, defence cooperation and the Development Road Project, which aims to connect the Gulf with global markets through Iraq.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkish Petroleum has secured a partnership in Iraq's Kirkuk production field, describing the agreement as a "historic step" in energy cooperation between the two countries.
Erdogan made the announcement on Tuesday during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara, where the two leaders discussed energy, security and regional developments.
The Turkish president said the new partnership would strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq and deepen their economic ties.

ENERGY DEAL STRENGTHENS TURKEY-IRAQ RELATIONS

The Kirkuk oil field is one of Iraq's most important energy assets, making the agreement strategically significant for both countries.
Erdogan said the partnership reflected a new phase in bilateral energy cooperation and could create opportunities for greater collaboration in the oil and energy sectors.
The agreement comes as Türkiye and Iraq seek to expand their economic relationship and strengthen cooperation on major infrastructure and development projects.

REGIONAL SECURITY DISCUSSED

Erdogan and al-Zaidi also exchanged views on developments across the region, including the situations in Iran, Syria and Palestine.
The Turkish president reiterated Ankara's willingness to support Iraq's defence needs, saying Türkiye was prepared to provide the country with defence industry products it requires.
Erdogan also stressed the importance of regional stability, saying Türkiye wanted the region to be known for development, prosperity, peace and stability rather than war, terrorism and conflict.

DEVELOPMENT ROAD PROJECT GAINS IMPORTANCE

The two countries also discussed the Development Road Project, an ambitious infrastructure initiative designed to connect the Gulf region with global markets through Iraq.
Erdogan said the project had become even more important because of recent regional developments.
The initiative is expected to improve trade and transport links while positioning Iraq as a major corridor between the Gulf and international markets.
For Türkiye, the project could also strengthen its role as a key trade and logistics hub connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

TURKEY AND IRAQ COOPERATE ON SECURITY

Security cooperation was another major issue discussed by the two leaders.
Erdogan said Türkiye remained in close dialogue with Iraq as Ankara pursued its "terror-free Türkiye" process and its broader vision of a "terror-free region".
The statement reflects Türkiye's continued focus on combating militant groups and addressing security challenges along its borders and in neighbouring countries.

WHAT THE AGREEMENT MEANS

The new Turkish Petroleum partnership in Kirkuk could strengthen economic ties between Ankara and Baghdad while giving Türkiye a greater role in Iraq's energy sector.
The agreement also comes at a time when both countries are seeking closer cooperation on energy, infrastructure, defence and regional security.
With the Kirkuk partnership and the Development Road Project advancing alongside broader security cooperation, Türkiye and Iraq appear to be moving towards a deeper strategic relationship that could have significant implications for the region's energy and trade networks.