Baghdad — The fourth round of political consultations between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Turkmenistan was held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad.
The Iraqi delegation was led by Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Ulum, Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Relations, while the Turkmen delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Gurbanov.
Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, investment, and energy sectors, within the framework of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that serve the shared interests of the two nations.
During the meeting, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation and gas imports, aimed at supporting both nations’ energy needs and promoting mutual economic growth.
Deputy Minister Bahr Al-Ulum invited Turkmenistan’s public and private sectors to visit Iraq and explore investment opportunities, emphasizing the country’s stable political and security environment.
The Iraqi side also highlighted the importance of cultural and educational exchange, including Iraq’s “Study in Iraq” programme, which aims to attract students from friendly nations such as Turkmenistan.
Both parties agreed that official visits between their leaders remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations and that the opening of embassies in Baghdad and Ashgabat would mark a strategic step in advancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation.
They also agreed to develop a joint roadmap with specific initiatives to be implemented in the near future to build long-term strategic relations.
According to the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Ahmed Gurbanov also met with Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi, President of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, to discuss ways to deepen trade and economic cooperation.
Both sides underscored the importance of direct engagement between business communities, as well as increased participation in international forums, exhibitions, and business meetings, to promote bilateral trade and investment.
