Iraq and Türkiye finalize water cooperation deal amid deepening resource concerns – Türkiye Today

Report on Türkiye-Iraq Water Cooperation Agreement and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

The governments of Türkiye and Iraq have finalized a financing agreement to implement joint projects addressing Iraq’s severe water crisis. This bilateral initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily focusing on water security, international partnerships, and regional stability. The agreement establishes a framework for sustainable water resource management, reflecting a commitment to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

2.0 Advancing SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core of the agreement is a strategic effort to provide sustainable solutions to Iraq’s water scarcity, a critical challenge impacting the nation’s progress toward SDG 6. The initiative addresses the reduced flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a situation exacerbated by climate change and upstream infrastructure.

2.1 Key Objectives of the Water Cooperation Framework

• To implement joint projects aimed at the efficient and sustainable management of shared water resources.
• To combat the effects of water scarcity through collaborative technological and infrastructural solutions.
• To establish a fair and equitable water policy that guarantees Iraq’s water rights, in line with SDG Target 6.5 concerning transboundary water cooperation.
• To improve overall water resource management, reduce waste, and ensure long-term water security for communities and ecosystems.

3.0 Strengthening SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The financing mechanism is a clear manifestation of SDG 17, demonstrating a robust bilateral partnership to tackle complex developmental and environmental challenges. The agreement builds upon previous diplomatic engagements, including a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Baghdad, to formalize cooperation.

3.1 Outcomes of the Bilateral Partnership

1. The establishment of a dedicated financing mechanism to ensure the implementation of agreed-upon water sector projects.
2. The strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between Türkiye and Iraq, serving the common interests of both nations.
3. The creation of a platform for ongoing communication and coordination to address mutual concerns, including regional security and stability.

4.0 Supporting Broader Sustainable Development and Regional Stability

Beyond water management, the high-level diplomatic discussions surrounding the agreement underscore a commitment to broader regional peace and strong institutions, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

4.1 Diplomatic Engagement and Contributions to SDG 16

• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted high-level meetings with Iraqi officials, including the President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to discuss cooperation across various fields.
• Discussions emphasized strengthening regional security and stability, which are foundational for sustainable development.
• Both nations expressed a determination to open new horizons for cooperation, supporting mutual interests and fostering a climate of peace and good neighborly relations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – This is the central theme of the article, which focuses on Iraq’s “deepening water crisis,” “severe water shortages,” and the need for “sustainable solutions” for water resource management. The entire cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Iraq is aimed at managing the shared water resources of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights a bilateral partnership between Türkiye and Iraq to address the water crisis. The “Framework Agreement on Water Cooperation” and the “newly signed financing agreement” are concrete examples of international cooperation to achieve sustainable development. The text emphasizes that this agreement will “strengthen bilateral relations” and serve “common interests.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
   • The article directly addresses this target by discussing Iraq’s “severe water shortages” and “resource scarcity.” The joint projects aim to improve “water resource management” and “reduce waste,” which are key components of increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable withdrawals.
2. Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
   • This target is explicitly addressed through the “Framework Agreement on Water Cooperation” between Türkiye and Iraq. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are transboundary resources originating in Türkiye. The agreement represents a formal mechanism for transboundary cooperation to manage these shared water resources, as called for by the Iraqi president who requested a “fair water policy that guarantees Iraq’s acquired water rights.”
3. Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation.
   • The “newly signed financing agreement” between Türkiye and Iraq is a form of international support. It provides the financial mechanism to “enable the implementation of major joint project packages” aimed at managing water resources in Iraq. This is a clear example of bilateral cooperation to build capacity and implement projects related to sustainable water management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

1. Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.
   • The article implies a high level of water stress in Iraq by describing a “deepening water crisis” and “severe water shortages.” The success of the cooperation agreement could be measured by a reduction in this water stress over time.
2. Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation.
   • The article provides direct evidence for this indicator. The “Framework Agreement on Water Cooperation” and the “mechanism document, signed to finance projects” are operational arrangements for water cooperation covering the transboundary basin of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers shared by Türkiye and Iraq. The finalization of this deal is a direct measure of progress for this indicator.
3. Indicator related to Target 17.9: Financial and technical assistance commitments.
   • The “newly signed financing agreement” is a direct indicator of a financial commitment between the two countries. The article states this agreement will “enable the implementation of major joint project packages,” which can be monitored to track the flow of financial and technical support for water management projects in Iraq.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: turkiyetoday.com