Turkey and Iraq signed five agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) covering energy, transport, education, youth and industrial property during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's official visit to Ankara.

Al-Zaidi visited Ankara on July 28 at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. 

During the visit, the two leaders held talks on security, trade, energy, transport, water management and infrastructure projects, and oversaw the signing of several bilateral agreements.

Three memoranda were signed at the Presidential Complex following talks between Erdogan and al-Zaidi. 

The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in higher education and academic exchange, youth and sports, and industrial property.

Separately, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) signed an agreement to acquire a 15% stake in BP's interests in Iraq's Kirkuk oilfields, according to Turkey's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

The agreement was signed by TPAO Director General Cem Erdem and BP Vice President for Exploration and Production Business Development Andrew McAuslan, in the presence of Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

Bayraktar said, “The deal forms part of Turkey's strategy to expand TPAO's international presence through partnerships with global energy companies.”

“ TPAO, BP and ConocoPhillips would form a consortium to develop reserves estimated at around 3bn barrels and increase production from the Kirkuk fields,” he added.

Turkey and Iraq also signed two transport agreements covering rail and road links through the Fishkhabour–Ovakoy border crossing, as well as a framework agreement on developing Iraq's transport infrastructure in exchange for natural resources.

Earlier, al-Zaidi said “Iraq and Turkey have significant opportunities to build strategic economic partnerships,” affirming that Iraq remains committed to stability, economic reform and sustainable development.