Turkish, Iraqi transport ministers in talks on Development Road Project

By Mustafa Calkaya

Shipments take a considerable time around the Cape of Good Hope and in the Red Sea, however, the Development Road Project can significantly reduce the times, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Türkiye’s transportation and infrastructure minister, said Friday.

Uraloglu and his Iraqi counterpart, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, met at the Turkish Transportation Ministry, and at the top of the agenda was the Project.

Uraloglu said current developments in the Project were discussed and he underlined that Iraq has come a long way in the project.

“We discussed some decisions that could be taken during the visit of President Erdogan to Iraq, and we gave information about the work we need to do in our country for the remainder of the Development Road, which we are carrying out quickly,” said Uraloglu.

Regarding the significant increase in sea traffic in the Cape of Good Hope due to the conflict in the Red Sea, Uraloglu said: “The shipments made around the Cape of Good Hope take about 45 days, whereas they take 35 days in the Red Sea,” but added that when the Development Road Project in finished, “shipments will take a period of 25 days, which is exactly why it is of great importance,” as they work day and night toward that goal.

- ⁠Iraqi Transport Ministry to negotiate with Turkish companies for railways, ports

The Development Road Project has three main areas -- the Grand Faw Port, railroads and highways, said Al-Saadawi.

The current completion rates of the three areas are, as Al-Saadawi said, 85% for the Grand Faw Port, 55% for railroads and 35% for highways, with financial situations still ongoing.

“We agreed that the two countries will open offices for this project and we will also meet with Turkish companies on railways and ports, as we would like to benefit from their experience,” he said.

He also noted that the two countries decided to work on facilitating on-land shipping with trucks.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim