US lauds Iraq-Turkey water cooperation deal
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.
In late April 2024, Sudani and Erdogan signed a multi-billion-dollar package of 26 agreements and memoranda of understanding, including a framework agreement on water policy cooperation. The 10-year pact outlines joint river management initiatives and paves the way for increased Turkish investment under Iraqi coordination.
US President Donald Trump in late October appointed the Michigan businessman, Savaya, as his special envoy to Iraq, describing him as someone with a “deep understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship.”
Savaya, reportedly a Chaldean entrepreneur of Iraqi descent, is the founder of Leaf and Bud, a company specializing in the cultivation of marijuana for medical and recreational use. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has no previous experience in government at the local, state, or federal level. He is also a social media influencer who has appeared in several photos with Trump and is a staunch supporter of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
Upon his appointment, Savaya in late October remarked, “I am deeply humbled, honored, and grateful to President Donald J. Trump for appointing me as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq.”
“I am committed to strengthening the U.S.-Iraq partnership under President Trump’s leadership and guidance,” he said.
[Source: Rûdaw English]
