Türkiye and Iraq are preparing to deepen their cooperation in the energy sector as both countries move closer to finalizing a new arrangement that will maintain crude oil transportation through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline while also broadening collaboration in several strategic areas.
Discussions on the future of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline took place during Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar’s visit to Baghdad, where he met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi and Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair. The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation in energy, encouraging investment and enhancing regional connectivity.
According to Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, Türkiye and Iraq are expected to sign a 12-month agreement in the coming days to ensure uninterrupted crude oil flows through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Bayraktar emphasized that operations through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline would continue without interruption and described his discussions with Iraqi officials as constructive.
“We assessed the areas of cooperation we can develop in the oil and natural gas sectors, particularly focusing on the Iraq-Türkiye Crude Oil Pipeline,” Bayraktar said.
In addition to maintaining the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, both governments discussed expanding cooperation by making more effective use of existing energy infrastructure while pursuing new connections that could reinforce a common long-term energy vision. Bayraktar stated that improved utilization of current infrastructure alongside the development of new links would provide the basis for closer collaboration between Türkiye and Iraq.
During separate talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi, Bayraktar also underlined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s backing for the Development Road Project, noting that the initiative has the potential to significantly enhance regional trade and connectivity. He added that Türkiye is prepared to work alongside Iraq on the project across oil, natural gas, electricity and other sectors. Al-Zaydi said Iraq views its partnership with Türkiye as offering significant opportunities and encouraged greater Turkish investment, particularly in agriculture. He further noted that efforts are progressing to establish a Türkiye-Iraq fund designed to strengthen economic relations and accelerate investments.
The Iraqi prime minister also said his government continues advancing development initiatives, including infrastructure improvements intended to support investors in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
Concluding the discussions, Bayraktar reaffirmed that Türkiye places considerable importance on its relationship with Iraq and intends to expand cooperation with Baghdad’s new government through concrete projects.
