ADDS INFORMATION
By Mehmet Sah Yılmaz, Beril Canakci and Fatma Zehra Solmaz
ANKARA / ISTANBUL (AA) - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday called the Türkiye-Iraqi-led Development Road Project "one of the most important initiatives in the Middle East,” emphasizing its potential to reshape regional connectivity and economic integration.
Speaking at the “FOCUS: Türkiye-Iraq Relations” program hosted by Anadolu in Ankara, Sudani said his government wants Türkiye-Iraq ties to serve as a pillar of regional stability.
“We want Türkiye-Iraq ties to be part of the regional stability equation,” he said, highlighting the broader geopolitical significance of cooperation between the two neighbors.
Sudani described the Development Road Project as a strategic initiative and not merely a road project.
He said Iraq considers it a project of economic integration. “It is currently one of the most important initiatives in the Middle East, and we expect it to be completed as soon as possible,” he said.
Sudani stated that relations between the two countries are built on certain foundations and primarily shaped within the context of "combating terrorism."
“We view our relations with Türkiye from a strategic perspective, in light of the aforementioned developments and transformations. We do not consider this a temporary phase. Therefore, we want Turkish-Iraqi relations to be part of the equation of stability, not one of conflict. This leads us to establish a development-oriented relationship with Türkiye,” he added.
Sudani also criticized Israel's prime minister and warned of rising regional tensions. "The Netanyahu government is trying to drag the region into the flames of war," he said.
Emphasizing that Iraq’s stance on the Palestinian issue is very clear across all institutions of his country, Sudani said: “We express (the Palestinian issue) very clearly, and we address it in the context of politics, media, law, and humanity. At the same time, we must also strive to protect Iraq’s supreme interests. We try to avoid wars and conflicts as much as possible.”
Sudani offered a comprehensive assessment of Türkiye-Iraq relations, addressing bilateral, regional, and international dimensions during the event at Anadolu’s headquarters.
The Development Road is a major trade route linking Iraq and Türkiye through railways, roads, ports and cities.
Spanning 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), the railway and highway will connect the Grand Faw Port, which aims to become the largest port in the Middle East.