Turkish, Iraqi leaders discuss military co-operation

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey and Iraq have discussed a possible deal to increase military and security co-operation between the neighbouring countries.

Erdogan spoke to reporters after meetings with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi on Wednesday.

Erdogan also said a pipeline running from Iraqi oil fields to Turkey, which was damaged during the Islamic State group’s presence in Iraq, should rapidly be repaired and become operational.

Turkey is likely to look to Iraq for its oil supplies after the U.S. announced an end to waivers that have allowed Turkey to import from Iran despite sanctions.

The two leaders also discussed the construction of dams following floods in Iraq and as well as the reconstruction of areas devastated by the IS, Erdogan added.