Iraq and Türkiye signed an agreement on Sunday to implement water infrastructure projects financed by revenue from Iraqi oil sales to Türkiye, a Turkish official confirmed.

The deal follows a water cooperation agreement initially signed by the two countries in April 2024 during Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad, marking a renewed phase of cooperation after years of strained relations.

According to Iraq’s prime minister’s office, the two countries finalized an implementation mechanism for the 2024 water cooperation accord, although specific details of the mechanism were not disclosed.

Under the agreement, Iraq will establish a committee to oversee water infrastructure projects and invite bids from Turkish companies. Payments for the projects will be financed through revenue generated from Iraqi oil sales to Türkiye, the Turkish official said.

The initial batch of projects expected under the new framework includes three water harvesting dam projects and three land reclamation initiatives, an Iraqi water resources official added.

Water scarcity has long been a source of tension between Iraq and Türkiye. Approximately 70% of Iraq’s water resources flow from neighboring countries, mainly through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, both of which originate in Türkiye.

The agreement is seen as a significant step toward addressing Iraq’s water challenges while further strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. (ILKHA)