Iraq and Turkey have taken a major step to address regional water challenges through a new agreement. The deal, signed during Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Baghdad, focuses on water management and sustainable resource development. Water security emerges as the central theme, highlighting the growing urgency for Iraq to protect its rivers and agricultural needs.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines plans for dams, water desalination projects, and treatment facilities. These initiatives aim to regulate shared rivers and secure a reliable water supply for Iraq’s population. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein emphasised that the agreement also addresses long-term strategic issues, including climate change, desertification, and declining river flows.
Around 90 percent of Iraq’s water originates in Turkey, and upstream dams have previously caused tensions. This new framework seeks to prevent political disputes while promoting cooperation between Baghdad and Ankara. By establishing clear rules for water allocation, both countries aim to ensure fair access and reduce environmental strain.
Hussein highlighted that the MoU includes immediate steps for implementing water treatment projects and constructing new dams. These projects will improve Iraq’s water infrastructure and enhance the sustainability of Tigris and Euphrates river systems. Meanwhile, Turkey’s role in providing a reasonable water share was reaffirmed by Iraqi Water Minister Aoun Dhiab.
The agreement also establishes a working committee to coordinate future projects and monitor the water distribution network. This committee will track progress on both treatment and dam construction efforts. Experts note that consistent monitoring and collaboration will be crucial to the MoU’s success.
Environmental groups have warned that Turkey’s existing dam network has drastically reduced inflows to Iraq. Over the past 40 years, Turkey built roughly 20 dams, holding nearly 80 billion cubic meters of water. Iraq’s Mosul Dam, by comparison, stores only one-eighth of that capacity. These reductions have intensified water scarcity, threatening agriculture, drinking supplies, and economic stability.
Iraq’s agricultural ministry recently reported dangerously low water reserves, urging rationing measures to protect the country’s water security. This new agreement provides a structured solution to prevent future shortages while promoting sustainable resource management.
Experts see this MoU as a turning point in Iraq-Turkey relations. By prioritising water security, the agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation and provides a roadmap for shared resource management. As projects begin, Iraq and Turkey aim to secure a sustainable future for both nations’ water needs.
Water security stands at the heart of Iraq’s strategy, guiding dam construction, treatment facilities, and long-term regional cooperation. This new focus on water security is expected to improve living conditions, support agriculture, and enhance bilateral trust. Ultimately, water security remains the driving force behind this historic collaboration.
