In a joint statement by President Hassan Rouhani and Iraqi President Fuad Masum, both leaders stressed the need to cooperate on environmental issues, Mehr News Agency reported.
Iraq is one of the main sources of dust storms in the region. Turkey’s excessive dam construction has led to reduced water flow into Iraq, leading to the desiccation of rivers in the country and unleashing dust storms.
According to the statement, the countries will collaborate closely and exchange information on environmental issues. Both presidents pledged to cooperate to facilitate the establishment of transfrontier conservation areas – also called peace parks -, work together to help preserve wetlands and biodiversity, double efforts to decrease the sources of dust storms plaguing both countries, and strive to protect the environment.
