The impacts of climate change, particularly drought, on water resources are severe throughout the Euphrates-Tigris Basin. The most effective way to find common solutions against climate change, which is a common threat for both Iraq and Türkiye, is technical cooperation and dialogue between the two countries in the field of water. Enhancing dialogue plays an active role in mutual understanding of the needs and issues of the two countries regarding water management and in producing solutions. As a continuation of the dialogue and cooperation process between Türkiye and Iraq in the field of water, a bilateral technical meeting was held in Baghdad on May 4, 2023 in the field of water. The Turkish technical delegation was chaired by Dr. Bülent Selek, Deputy Director-General of State Hydraulic Works, including experts from SUEN. The Iraqi technical delegation was chaired by Dr. Hatem Hameed Hussein, Director-General of the Iraqi National Center for Water Resources Management.
The common issues of the two countries in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin, which is affected by climate change, and joint efforts to address these were discussed in the meeting. Both sides underlined the importance of concretizing joint projects and studies with the decisions taken at the previous meetings. It was also highlighted that the effects of climate change can be reduced through effective management and efficient use of water resources. Preliminary works to be done for the projects that have been on the agenda of the two countries in recent years and the issues that are deemed important to be discussed in the next meeting were determined. Among those, are the joint studies on the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure in Iraq, evaluation of the possible joint technical works on monitoring, and the organization of information and experience sharing programs by Türkiye on irrigation. In addition, three new project proposals were presented by our country to develop the joint working capacity in the field of water. In the closing of the meeting, it was expressed once again that Türkiye is always ready to cooperate with Iraq in the field of water.
Technical meeting in the field of eater between delegations from Türkiye and Iraq, 4 May 2023
The day after the meeting, a field visit was paid to the historical and new Hindiya barrages on the Euphrates River, accompanied by officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources. During the visit, information was obtained on the technical features of the barrage as well as the water usage in the region.
Following the technical meetings and trips, the delegation also participated in the Baghdad International Water Conference, held for the third time on 6-7 March 2023. At the conference attended by many high-level officials from the region and international institutions and organizations, below themes were addressed:
- Water for human and nature
- Water diplomacy and environmental conservation
- Sustainability of wetland and prosperity
- Water management, knowledge and innovation
3rd Baghdad International Water Conference
As part of the conference, Prof. Dr. Bülent İnanç, SUEN Vice President and Member of the Managing Committee of the Blue Peace Middle East initiative, delivered presentations in two separate sessions organized by the initiative. He explained that Türkiye is not rich in water contrary to what is claimed and there are predictions that it may experience water scarcity in the coming years. He added that the country allocates large budgets for modernization investments that will improve efficiency in agricultural irrigation as well as for renewable and nuclear energy investments to reduce the pressure on water in energy production, with increasing trends over the years. He stated that Türkiye fulfills its responsibility concerning the diminishing water resources due to climate change and is ready to share its experiences with the countries in the region.
