Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials, focusing on a potential oil pipeline and broader security cooperation.
The proposed pipeline is intended to provide an alternative route for Iraq's oil exports, reducing reliance on shipping through the Persian Gulf amid regional tensions. Turkish officials stated that discussions would also cover trade, energy, transportation, and water management, with the Iraqi prime minister's office highlighting a focus on "joint infrastructure projects in a way that serves the interests of the two neighboring countries."
Al-Zaidi, who became prime minister after months of political deadlock in Iraq, is undertaking this visit following recent trips to Washington and Tehran. Earlier this month, following meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, American companies signed agreements with Iraq valued at approximately $60 billion. These deals include plans to develop alternative export routes for Iraqi oil, moving away from the Persian Gulf.
One potential infrastructure project under consideration involves a pipeline connecting southern Iraq's Basra to Haditha in the west, with onward connections to Turkey's Ceyhan port and Syria's Baniyas coast.
This visit occurs as Turkey is engaged in peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group largely based in northern Iraq. Last year, the PKK announced its intention to lay down arms and disband. Turkey is preparing legislation to support this peace effort, which may include a limited amnesty for some militants. The PKK has been engaged in an armed insurgency since 1984, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
Al-Zaidi is also scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Thursday. This trip comes at a time of heightened tensions, following Saudi Arabia's allegations that Iran-backed Iraqi militias were responsible for drone attacks against the kingdom. The militias have denied these accusations, calling them "fabrications."
In response to the alleged attacks, al-Zaidi ordered Iraqi security agencies on Monday to investigate. His office affirmed Iraq's commitment to "preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly countries."
Al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm non-state armed groups in Iraq by the end of September. However, this deadline is considered challenging, particularly as some influential militias have indicated they will not surrender their weapons.