Iraqi, Iranian leaders meet at COP31 in Turkey

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. Photo: Iraqi Presidency Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Nizar Amidi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. The two leaders reviewed recent developments in Baghdad-Tehran relations and emphasized the need to enhance constructive engagement and expand joint cooperation in different areas. Amidi emphasized the significance of coordinating regional and global efforts to address current challenges in the Middle East, according to a statement released by the Iraqi Presidency. During his participation in COP31, Amidi delivered Iraq’s national message, emphasizing that the country has lost more than 50 percent of its agricultural area due to desertification and climate change. During his stay in Antalya, Amidi held additional bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Held between November 9 and November 20, 2026, COP31 brings together heads of state, government officials, and international leaders, though notable leaders from several G7 and European nations are absent. The summit centers on climate change financing and adaptation for vulnerable nations, loss and damage funding, and clean energy transitions rather than just new targets.