Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein announced on Friday the imminent signing of a framework agreement draft with Turkey on water management in Baghdad.

During a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Hussein said the bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey have a long history, explaining that the main purpose of the visit to Turkey was related to the water file.

He added, “We have reached a draft framework agreement with Turkey concerning water,” noting that the signing will take place soon in Baghdad.

The Iraqi Foreign Minister confirmed that Iraq supports the ongoing political dialogues in the Turkish arena, pointing out that approvals were obtained from Turkey to resume oil exports via Ceyhan.

He also noted that Iraqi-Syrian relations are good, with ongoing meetings between the two sides and coordination to combat terrorist gangs.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is a joint committee with Iraq to solve the water scarcity problem, adding, “The water issue is shared with Iraq, Iraqis need water, and we are trying to resolve the crisis.”

He continued, “Water levels in dams are low due to climate change, and Iraq and Turkey are jointly addressing the water scarcity issue.”