Türkiye-Iraq Development Road Project among Mideast’s most important, Iraqi leader tells Anadolu

ANKARA / ISTANBUL

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

❝We are committed to ensuring that this relationship serves as a stabilizing factor in the region, grounded in mutual interests❞

❝The Development Road is a strategic project for the countries of the region, with Türkiye playing a leading role❞

🇹🇷 | 🇮🇶 At Anadolu’s FOCUS… pic.twitter.com/Ol0xaOszL2

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) May 8, 2025

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 the project would create a "mutual economic synergy," adding: “It will also yield gains at minimal cost. Our feasibility studies show this. It will enable faster commercial transportation at a lower cost.”

He emphasized that the project would support the economic needs of the countries involved.

“As of early June, we expect certain aspects to become concrete. Coordination at the ministerial level continues between Türkiye, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and once the initial results emerge, they will be discussed at the ministerial level. These four countries are moving forward together. So, it’s a continuous effort with elements relevant to all parties. We believe it will be completed soon,” he added.

Sudani also noted that the Development Road Project may intersect with other initiatives like China’s Belt and Road initiative, saying: “Our relations and dialogue with other neighboring countries are ongoing. We don’t want to limit ourselves to just these four countries.”

He added that other nations are encouraged to join the Development Road Project to promote integration and regional connectivity, saying: “The US has shown interest in the project. American businessmen have visited Iraq. About a month ago, a delegation from the US came, and we presented the project’s details. They showed great interest in being part of its implementation. So, we’re not only talking about countries on the route.”

Highlighting the ongoing coordination with Türkiye regarding logistical needs at the Türkiye-Syria border, he said: “This is not just a road connecting Iraq and Türkiye. There will be multiple branches, possibly extending toward Syria and Jordan. We believe this will spread benefits across the entire region and among the participating countries.”

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 emphasized that it would not be sufficient to define the relations between Türkiye and Iraq only as a neighborly relationship, noting that there are also historical, civilizational, religious, cultural and social relations between the two countries.   

Water issue  

Referring to the importance of the water issue in the relations between the two countries, Sudani stated that this issue is a sensitive one related to food and environmental security.

He noted that actions are being taken within the framework of mutual agreement, and that climate conditions should be taken into account and the process should be carried out within the context of good neighborly relations.

Sudani expressed his belief that the water issue can be managed through mutual cooperation and within the framework of bilateral relations.   

Palestine

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.

Anadolu President and CEO Serdar Karagoz conveyed Iraqi PM Sudani with AA's book 'Evidence'

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.”   

Trade relations between Türkiye-Iraq  

Sudani emphasized the importance of trade and investment, stating that there is extensive cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq in this area.

He underlined that Türkiye is one of Iraq’s main trade partners and described Türkiye as a "very important" country for Iraq in terms of trade, noting that many countries have investments in Iraq.

Sudani stated that Iraqi oil is exported through Türkiye, and he also highlighted ongoing investments in the field of natural gas and cooperation on electricity.

He described the Development Road Project as "very important," explaining that it will facilitate the transport of goods and products, and also play a significant role in the economic integration of countries in the region.

Sudani also touched on the social, cultural, and educational ties between Türkiye and Iraq, noting that many Iraqi youth visit Türkiye and come for education.

He emphasized that Iraq-Türkiye relations are "balanced, friendly, and based on mutual interests."   

Recent developments in the region  

Sudani described the recent developments in the region as “dangerous,” attributing them to efforts to reshape the regional map.

He stated that countries in the region must reassess and redefine their roles and positions, emphasizing that Iraq should not be negatively affected by these changes.

Sudani underlined that Baghdad is currently in an “observer position” and stressed that Iraq’s foreign policy is based on maintaining “balance.”

He noted that Iraq has faced numerous wars and expressed that they do not want the country to once again become an arena for settling external scores.

He added by saying that they envision an Iraq where all hostilities have ended, dialogue is strengthened, and mutual interests are realized.

Regarding the situations in Syria and Yemen, Sudani remarked that the US appears to have a "new policy," and he viewed the beginning of a new phase in US-Iran relations as a "positive" development.  

Terrorism  

Sudani stated that Iraq holds a clear and firm stance regarding the terrorist organization PKK, saying: “As you know, this organization is banned in Türkiye and also under Iraqi law, by a decision issued by the National Security Council.”

He emphasized that any armed activity by the PKK terror group on Iraqi territory is considered a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, saying: “Its presence on our land is an abuse. Furthermore, its attacks on neighboring countries contradict our constitution. Therefore, as a government and state, we must not allow any party to use Iraqi territory as a launchpad.”

Sudani described the process of the PKK terrorist group laying down arms as a “very correct and important step,” adding: “Any matter related to security is not possible without coordination with the Iraqi government. This is also a matter tied to Iraq’s sovereignty. Hence, we believe it can be managed within a framework of mutual cooperation and coordination.”

He highlighted Iraq’s efforts to maintain control over its borders, particularly in the context of the Iraq-Türkiye frontier. “We are working to prevent any group or organization from engaging in actions that threaten the security of neighboring countries, especially Türkiye. We consider security to be a shared interest. Be it Türkiye, Iran, or other neighboring Arab countries, we view all of their security as part of a collective, integrated security system, and we see this as essential for the region’s stability.”

Sudani referred to the “5th Meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Security Mechanism” held in Antalya this year, describing the outcomes as highly positive and especially significant in terms of cooperation and coordination.

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.