Iraqi President Barham Salih and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks on Thursday on the “pending disputes between their two countries.” They agreed to find “radical solutions for them,” said an Iraqi presidential statement. Salih had kicked off an official visit to Turkey on Thursday. He discussed with Erdogan various regional developments and the “importance of easing tensions and cementing peace and stability.” Moreover, he stressed that his country seeks strategic partnership and cooperation with Turkey, adding: “We look forward to an effective Turkish role in reconstructing Iraqi regions that have been liberated from terrorism.” “We need to reach a comprehensive agreement with Turkey that tackles pending files between us and we will work on holding a meeting for our joint strategic council,” Salih continued. “Iraq does not want the hegemony of any party over its national decisions,” he stated, saying that the water crisis with Ankara will be resolve through a comprehensive agreement. He did not elaborate further. “Iraq is keen on maintaining coordination with Turkey in all fields,” he added. Erdogan, for his part, focused on joint counter-terrorism efforts against the likes of ISIS and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). "We know the importance of working together to be successful in our fight against terror. God willing, in the future we will deepen our cooperation in this area," he told a press conference in Ankara with Salih. Cooperation can also be bolstered on the security level, he said, such in the defense industries field. Furthermore, Erdogan said that Ankara was prepared in contributing to Iraq’s reconstruction efforts. Iraqi presidential spokesman Loqman Feely told Asharq Al-Awsat that Salih’s visit took place during a critical time in the region, specifically in wake of recent developments in Syria and the potential regrouping of ISIS. Such developments require joint efforts to ensure that terrorism does not emerge again in the region, he added.