By John Lee.
The fourth round of political consultations between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Turkmenistan was held on Monday, 20 October 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad.
The Iraqi delegation was headed by Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Ulum, Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Relations, while the Turkmen side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Gurbanov.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, and investment sectors, within the framework of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing partnerships that serve the mutual interests of the two nations.
Deputy Minister Bahr Al-Ulum invited Turkmenistan's public and private sectors to visit Iraq to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnership, highlighting the positive political and security environment in the country. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries to cooperate in the energy sector and on gas imports, supporting both nations' energy needs.
The Iraqi side also underlined the importance of cultural and educational initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties, including the "Study in Iraq" programme launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to attract students from friendly countries.
Both parties emphasised that official visits between their leaders are a key pillar of bilateral relations and that the opening of embassies in Baghdad and Ashgabat will mark a strategic step in enhancing diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural cooperation. They agreed on several practical steps to be studied and implemented jointly in the near future to build strategic relations fulfilling the aspirations of both nations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Gurbanov to Baghdad also included a meeting with Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi, President of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce. The two discussed ways to deepen trade and economic relations and stressed the importance of establishing direct contacts between the business communities of both countries, as well as active participation in international forums, exhibitions, and business meetings.
(Sources: Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Turkmenistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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