Water experts from Turkey and Iraq met on August 18-19, 2016 at DSI 14th Regional Directorate in Istanbul.

Organized with the participation of Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources Undersecretary Mr. Mehdi Rasheed, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Ankara Dr. Hisham Alalawi, and technical experts from Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, the meeting was attended by Turkish officials from the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI), the General Directorate of Water Management (SYGM), SUEN and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Water between the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Iraq, the meeting discussed the enhancement of the water cooperation between Turkey and Iraq, joint technical studies on climate change and organization of technical training programs. Both parties agreed to complete the legislative processes required for putting the Memorandum of Understanding into force. Parties also agreed to form a joint expert committee to study and investigate the proposed Hacibey and Karadag friendship dam projects on the Turkish-Iraqi border. It was mutually decided to hold a follow-up meeting before the end of 2016 and exchange information in the preparation process of the meeting. Both parties agreed to develop joint technical training programs.