ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States Special Envoy to Iraq on Monday congratulated Baghdad and Ankara on signing a key agreement aimed at resolving long-standing water management issues between the two countries, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s efforts toward environmental sustainability.
In a post on X, Mark Savaya praised the agreement as “a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation and ensuring sustainable access to vital water resources, which are crucial to the livelihoods of millions of Iraqis affected by drought and water scarcity.”
“The United States reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting Iraq and its people in their pursuit of greater stability, prosperity, and a sustainable environment,” Savaya added.
Iraq and Turkey on Sunday signed the implementation mechanism of a Framework Water Cooperation Agreement which officials say aims to provide sustainable solutions to Iraq’s worsening water crisis.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, who oversaw the signing, hailed the agreement as “one of the sustainable solutions to Iraq’s water crisis,” saying it includes “a package of major joint projects to be implemented in the water sector.”
He added that the deal would “further strengthen bilateral relations” with Ankara and emphasized the need to follow up on commitments made during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad last year.