Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced on Friday the imminent signing of a framework agreement with Turkey to manage water resources in Baghdad, noting that approvals have been obtained from Turkey to resume oil exports via Ceyhan.

During a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, he said, “Bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey have a long history,” explaining that “the main purpose of the visit to Turkey relates to the water file.”

He affirmed that “Iraq supports the political dialogues taking place in the Turkish arena.”

Hussein pointed out that “tensions in the region must be resolved through dialogue and negotiations,” adding, “We hope to deliver aid quickly to the Gaza Strip.”

He also noted that “Iraqi-Syrian relations are good and there are ongoing meetings between the two sides,” clarifying that “there is coordination between Iraq and Syria to fight terrorist gangs.”

For his part, Fidan mentioned the existence of a joint committee with Iraq to solve the water scarcity problem, stating at the press conference, “There is a joint committee with Iraq to solve the water scarcity problem. The water issue is shared with Iraq, and Iraqis need water, and we are trying to solve the crisis.”

He explained that “water levels in dams are low due to climate change,” confirming “we are trying to solve the water crisis.”

He concluded: “Iraq and Turkey face the water scarcity problem together.”