Development Road project to cement ‘economic integration’ between Iraq, Türkiye, says Iraqi official

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) – The Development Road project, connecting Asia to Europe, will “strengthen economic integration” between Türkiye and Iraq, the Iraqi deputy minister for political planning said.

Relations between Iraq and Türkiye are “important and diverse and the two countries have undertaken joint work in many fields, Hisham Al-Alawi told Anadolu.

"The visit of Turkish President Erdogan to Iraq in April and the visits of Prime Minister Sudani and our Foreign Minister (Fuad Hussein) to Türkiye contributed to the development of relations based on common interests. We signed joint memorandums of understanding. Such agreements show the desire of both sides to fill the gaps and develop bilateral relations," Al-Alawi said.

He said that the Development Road project possesses great importance for Iraq and the countries in the region, and while Iraq and Türkiye will benefit the most from the project, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Iran would also benefit, in addition to the countries in Southeast Asia and Europe.

The minister highlighted that the project will cement the “economic integration” between Iraq and Türkiye and it will also facilitate the transportation of goods and people between the countries.

He added that mutual high-level visits will continue, as the two countries work toward strengthening the bilateral relations and fulfilling their common goals.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim in Istanbul