Turkish president receives head of Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday received President of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) Nechirvan Barzani at the Presidential Complex in Ankara and discussed regional and global developments.

During the meeting, Erdogan underlined "the necessity of steadfast collaboration in these challenging times" to eliminate the terrorist threat that endangers "tranquility, welfare, and internal peace," of the entire region, according to Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Erdogan and Barzani also discussed Türkiye-Iraq relations and cooperation with the KRG.

Conveying his best wishes for the KRG parliamentary elections to be held on Oct. 20, the Turkish president expressed his belief that the elections, in which the Iraqi Turkmen Front will also participate, will be conducted "peacefully with an inclusive approach."

Underlining the "escalation in Israeli aggression and the potential risk it poses for the emergence of an all-out war zone in the region," Erdogan highlighted Ankara's strong commitment to the stability and security of the entire region, and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Iraqi authorities to keep the country away from conflict.

He underscored that the Development Road Project will significantly contribute to the economic development, stability, and solidarity of the entire region and will also benefit the KRG in every aspect.

Erdogan said Türkiye will continue to stand by the "friendly and brotherly" Iraq, and the Iraqi people, as it has always done.

The Development Road is an important trade route project linking Iraq and Türkiye with railways, roads, ports, and cities. That 745-mile (1,200-kilometer) railway and highways will connect the Great Faw Port, aimed to be the largest port in the Middle East.