Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani announced that the Development Road Project, a collaborative initiative between Türkiye and Iraq, will play a major role in ensuring stability and growth in both countries and the surrounding region.
During a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized that the project would boost regional cooperation and contribute to economic prosperity, particularly through the resumption of oil shipments via the Iraq-Türkiye Oil Pipeline. He credited Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s leadership with helping push bilateral relations forward and encouraged other countries to join the project.
“Our relationship with Iraq goes beyond just state matters; it’s built on deep historical and cultural ties. Iraq’s peace is integral to our own,” Erdogan said, stressing the importance of working together on regional issues, especially the fight against terrorism.
The leaders also discussed other key areas of cooperation, including energy, infrastructure, and education, with Erdogan highlighting a record $18 billion in trade between the two nations last year. They also discussed enhancing efforts to fight groups like PKK, FETO, and Daesh (ISIS) that threaten both Iraq’s and Türkiye’s security.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed his support for the Development Road Project, calling it a vital opportunity for greater integration and development. He also affirmed Iraq’s commitment to preventing terrorist groups from using Iraqi territory to launch attacks on Türkiye.
The discussion also covered regional concerns, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Erdogan condemned Israel’s aggressive policies and reiterated Türkiye’s stance on supporting Palestinian rights and ending the violence.
Both leaders emphasized their shared goals for stability in the region and commitment to strengthening the partnership between Türkiye and Iraq.
