US supports 'all efforts to diversify Iraq's economy' after signing of deal on Development Road project

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Tuesday that it supports "all efforts to diversify Iraq's economy and promote regional integration" following the signing of a preliminary agreement on a landmark road and rail project that will connect the Gulf region to Türkiye and Europe.

"The Iraqi delegation briefed us on their plans for the Development Road during the recent U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee," a State Department spokesperson told Anadolu when asked about the signing of the deal on the Development Road project between Türkiye, Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Monday during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Baghdad.

"We support all efforts to diversify Iraq’s economy and promote regional integration," the spokesperson added.

The Development Road project encompasses railway and highway lines extending from the Grand Faw port in Basra through the cities of Diwaniyah, Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad and Mosul to the Turkish border, aiming to provide access from the Turkish border to Mersin Port and onward to Europe via Istanbul by road.

Through the project, Iraq and Türkiye aim to reduce travel time between Asia and Europe and become transit hubs.

The project is seen as an alternative option in possible regional conflicts or wars, since China's Silk Road does not pass directly through Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani said the landmark project will also enhance security and stability in the region.

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