Davutoglu in Baghdad: Rebuilding Confidence
Local Editor
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu started Thursday a formal visit to Iraq, and to the Kurdish Regional Government on November 20 and 21.
On the agenda are discussions of the threat from the "ISIL", bilateral relations and energy security issues.
Davutoglu will meet Iraqi President Fouad Massoum, his aides, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim Jabouri along with Turkmen deputies and other representatives of the Turkmen community in Iraq upon invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Haidar al-Abadi, according to a statement from Turkish Prime Ministry's Press Office.
According to al-Ahed news sources, Davutoglu is alo to meet Ayatollah Ali Sistani in the Holy city of Najaf.
The visit forms an opportunity to give a further impetus to relations between the two countries, following the establishment of the new central government in Iraq in early September, according to Turkish Prime Ministry sources.
The ministry sources also stated that Davutoglu's visit will serve as a sign of Turkey's support to the new government led by al-Abadi, and the importance attached to the bilateral relations.
The sources emphasized Ankara's satisfaction with the agreement reached between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government on energy issues. Turkey is ready to make contributions of every kind for Iraq to regain its economic and political stability by using its own resources.
Meanwhile, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz announced earlier Wednesday that the central Iraqi government will begin transporting oil again. Transports were suspended in March due to the dispute, but will start again on Wednesday with 150,000 barrels per day.
The international anti-terrorism efforts especially those regarding the recent ISIL threat will also be a hot topic on the agenda of the official talks during Turkish premier's visit to the country.
Davutoglu will also speak at a joint press conference after meeting with Iraqi Premier Haidar al-Abadi.
Following talks with Iraqi president, his aides, Iraqi Parliament Speaker and Turkmen deputies in Baghdad, the Turkish premier will move on to Iraqi Kurdish region to meet regional President Massoud Barzani and Prime Minister Nachirvan Barzani.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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