By Jawad Qadir
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to Erbil on an official trip to engage with officials from the Kurdistan Region is a significant development. Upon his arrival, President Erdogan was greeted by top Kurdistan Region officials, emphasizing the growing diplomatic ties between Ankara and Erbil. Prior to his visit to Erbil, Erdogan had a meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister in Baghdad. This visit by Erdogan to Erbil is historic as it marks the first time a Turkish president has visited the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the importance of this event.
Similar to previous visits by high-ranking officials from Ankara, the recent visit of the Turkish President to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region focused on discussions regarding border protection, security, and stability in the region. These discussions have resulted in agreements and understandings, with trade serving as a guise for political and security arrangements.
The Kurdistan Region holds a significant role in the efforts made by Turkey and Iraq to enhance their economic and trade relations. The continuity and progress of the relations between Baghdad and Ankara are contingent upon the nature and level of relations between Ankara and Erbil. This highlights the Kurdistan Region's active involvement in regional relations and its own geopolitical, political, and economic significance.
Trade between Iraq and Turkey amounts to approximately $20 billion, with a significant portion of this trade occurring through the Kurdistan Region via land routes. The much discussed strategic Development Road project serves as a connection point between Iraq and Turkey, specifically within the Kurdistan Region. Consequently, the Kurdistan Region will once again assume a pivotal role as the primary point of connection and bridge between the two countries.
The recent signing of the quadrilateral agreement involving Iraq, Qatar, UAE, and Turkey regarding the Development Road project is anticipated to have significant implications on the economic landscape and political dynamics within the region. Endorsed by the United States, this agreement marks the initiation of a fresh era of political alignment and economic competition that will influence the trajectory of conflicts and power struggles at both regional and global levels.
The Kurdistan Region demonstrates significant potential in terms of security, peace, and stability in the relationship between Ankara and Baghdad. The Turkish authorities acknowledge that the security and stability of both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are interdependent. Consequently, Turkey perceives Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as interconnected entities that complement each other, rather than viewing one as a replacement for the other.
Turkiye's role as a key partner for Kurdistan Region extends beyond military and security matters, encompassing energy cooperation as well. This is evident in the facilitation of significant oil exports from Kurdistan Region through the Ceyhan port. Nevertheless, disagreements surrounding oil exports, have resulted in strains and disruptions in the oil trade relationship. Recent dialogues between Iraqi and Turkish authorities, along with engagements with global allies such as the United States, have underscored the necessity of ensuring the flow of Iraqi oil to international markets. This highlights a renewed commitment to reestablishing the pipeline between Iraqi Kurdistan Region and Turkey.
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