Erdogan officially invites Sudani to Turkey

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday officially invited the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to visit Turkey for a high-level meeting with the Turkish authorities.

The invitation was delivered by Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad Anil Bora Inan, said Sudani’s office in a statement. 
“Prime Minister al-Sudani affirmed his intention to accept the invitation, highlighting the Iraqi government’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of its growing relationship with Turkey across all levels and sector,” the statement added. 

Iraqi and Turkish authorities have previously announced that Sudani is scheduled to visit Turkey on May 8 to attend the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting.

Sudani “directed the preparation of joint files covering key areas such as security, water resources, industry, military industries, energy, transportation, trade, higher education, and other fields, in order to ensure comprehensive outcomes that enhance cooperation and serve the two nations’ mutual interests,” the statement noted. 

A high-level Iraqi delegation, which included Kurdistan Region’s Interior Minister Reber Ahmed, met with Turkish officials in Antalya on Sunday to hold the fifth security meeting with Turkish counterparts. Similar meetings have been held in both countries in recent years, mainly focusing on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and border security.