By Muslim Parrot Reporter
The Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, and the Turkish Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, have agreed to establish monitoring offices in Baghdad and Ankara dedicated to overseeing the progress of the ambitious Development Road project.
The ministers convened in the Turkish capital, Ankara, where detailed discussions took place concerning the intricate aspects of the Development Road initiative, as outlined in an official statement by the Iraqi Transport Ministry. Al-Saadawi emphasized Iraq’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling all project requirements, highlighting the substantial investment opportunities it presents for foreign companies.
During the meeting, Uraloglu urged the Iraqi government to augment the number of Turkish flights to Iraq, commending Al-Saadawi for notable achievements in enhancing air transport connectivity between the two nations. In response, the Iraqi Transport Minister requested the establishment of visa offices at airports, seeking streamlined visa processes for Iraqi citizens.
According to a statement from the Iraqi embassy in Ankara, Al-Saadawi and Uraloglu conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Development Road project’s completion rate. Notably, the venture has garnered interest from numerous Arab, regional, and European countries eager to participate, either through investments or active involvement in construction, recognizing its pivotal role in linking Asia and Europe.
Valued at an estimated $17 billion, the Development Road project aims to connect the Al-Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq to the Turkish border through an extensive railway and road network. The project holds strategic importance, with the potential to transform Iraq into a key transit center, significantly reducing travel time between Asia and Europe and positioning it as a competitive alternative to Egypt’s Suez Canal. The collaboration between Iraq and Turkey marks a crucial milestone in the realization of this transformative initiative.