Iraqi President Urges Binding & Equitable Water Agreements at Baghdad Conference

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi Presidential Advisor Mohammed Amin Faris.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid has called for binding and equitable water agreements, highlighting the urgent need for regional cooperation to address Iraq’s escalating water crisis. 

President Rashid's message was delivered by Presidential Advisor Mohammed Amin Faris on Saturday, 24 May 2025, during the Fifth Baghdad International Water Conference, held under the theme “Water and Technology – A Partnership for Development.”

Representing President Rashid at the event, Faris conveyed the President’s warm greetings and underscored his strong support for the conference’s objectives, particularly in light of Iraq’s growing water scarcity and the intensifying impacts of climate change.

“It has become increasingly evident that Iraq’s water crisis is no longer a sectoral concern—it is now a comprehensive national priority,” Faris stated. “Addressing this challenge requires integrated planning and concerted efforts from all relevant stakeholders, guided by scientific and sustainable strategies to safeguard our water resources for future generations.”

Faris stressed that Iraq’s vulnerability as a downstream country in the Tigris–Euphrates basin places it at a distinct disadvantage, given its dependence on water sources originating outside its borders. He reaffirmed the pressing need to secure Iraq’s historical water rights through legally binding and fair agreements—particularly with Türkiye.

“We therefore reiterate, in the clearest possible terms, the urgent need to conclude binding and equitable agreements—especially with Türkiye—regarding Iraq’s fair share of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers,” he said. “Such agreements are essential to uphold our historical rights to these vital resources.”

He added: “Engaging with the Turkish side must remain a top priority within Iraq’s water diplomacy agenda. Diplomatic and legal channels must be proactively pursued to secure our rightful share of water, which is crucial for meeting the needs of our population, sustaining agriculture, supporting development, and mitigating the consequences of acute water shortages.”

Faris also emphasised the need to promote a national culture of water conservation and to accelerate the modernisation of irrigation and agricultural systems, in order to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in response to emerging challenges.

“In this context, I call upon the Ministry of Water Resources and all supporting institutions to intensify their efforts to eliminate illegal encroachments on rivers, and to prioritise the development and rehabilitation of Iraq’s water infrastructure,” he concluded.



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