Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, and UAE sign pact for "Development Road" project

Official meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad today. Photo credit: @RTErdogan

ALBAWABA-Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE joined hands on Monday, signing a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the ambitious “Development Road” project.

The “Development Road” project aims to establish a land road and railway stretching from Iraq to Turkey and its ports, covering 1200 kilometers within Iraq. Its primary goal is to facilitate the transportation of goods between Europe and Gulf countries.

The signing ceremony, held at the Republican Palace in Baghdad, was graced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.

In attendance were key ministers from each country: Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Örün, Iraqi Minister of Transport Razzaq Mohibbes Al-Saadi, Qatari Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and Emirati Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei.

President Erdoğan’s arrival in Baghdad marked a significant event, as he hadn’t visited Iraq in 13 years. His delegation, comprising several Turkish ministers, underscores the importance of the occasion.

During his visit, President Erdoğan held a closed-door meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani at the government palace, followed by discussions with Iraqi officials, including Abdul Latif Rashid.

Both leaders are expected to hold a press conference to announce bilateral agreements and discuss key issues. Following these engagements, President Erdoğan and his delegation will head to Erbil.

In his statement following the meetings, President Erdoğan emphasized the significance of his visit and the agreements signed, highlighting the Strategic Framework Agreement for Joint Cooperation.

He expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas, including security, economy, trade, and transportation.

President Erdoğan also addressed the fight against terrorism, particularly the PKK, stressing the need for joint efforts and support from the Iraqi government to combat terrorism effectively.

Furthermore, Erdoğan underscored the importance of increasing trade volume and the pivotal role of the “Development Road” project in achieving this objective. He expressed hope that the project would contribute to regional stability and prosperity, especially in Iraq.