Iraq, Turkey finalize draft transport infrastructure agreement

A map showing the path of the Development Road in Iraq. Photo: The New Region Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Transport Ministry announced on Friday that Iraq and Turkey have finalized an agreement regarding the development of transport infrastructure. The agreement paves the way for official government recognition and a formal signature. The deal was reached after a memorandum of understanding was reached by Iraqi Transport Minister Wahab al-Hassani and Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu in late July. Officials from both sides completed the document after four days of intense discussions in Baghdad. The agreement formulates a comprehensive institutional framework to regulate cooperation in developing infrastructure projects and modernizing transportation systems. The draft framework includes a program to implement various phases of the Development Road, a strategic project proposed by Iraq to transport goods and energy from Basra to Turkey, in accordance with the approved technical priorities, timelines, and project completion requirements. Given the economic and developmental importance of the Development Road project to Iraq and the region, this step serves as a critical foundation for consolidating Iraqi-Turkish cooperation and organizing joint working mechanisms. The move is part of Iraq’s efforts to upgrade the transport sector and boost investment opportunities and economic integration, supporting strategic projects and strengthening Iraq’s position as a key hub for transport, trade, and regional and international supply chains.