Turkey is playing a pivotal role in the ambitious Development Road Project, a joint initiative with Iraq aimed at transforming regional connectivity and economic integration. Iraqi Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi emphasized the significance of Turkey’s involvement, calling it “a major role” in the effort to link the Gulf to Europe.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, al-Saadawi described the partnership as a strategic alignment of geography and vision. “The friendly and brotherly Republic of Turkey has a major role in the Development Road Project,” he said. “Turkey is the gateway to Europe, and Iraq is the gateway to the Gulf.”

The Development Road is envisioned as a comprehensive economic corridor that spans multiple sectors. According to al-Saadawi, it will encompass “agriculture, industry, trade, oil, energy, communications, transportation, and other logistics services.” He added that the route from Iraq’s Grand Faw Port to Turkey will be lined with industrial zones and investment opportunities, making Turkey’s role “both significant and dynamic.”

Durmus Unuvar, Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative is “more than a transportation project.” He explained, “The Development Road is the connection of Iraq’s Grand Faw Port with Europe via Turkey through railways and highways.” Unuvar confirmed that Turkey has already begun investing in the project, viewing it as a catalyst for Iraq’s economic growth.

At the heart of the initiative lies the Grand Faw Port, which al-Saadawi described as “the project of the nation’s will and the people.” He emphasized its transformative potential: “We will obtain revenues outside oil that have not been encountered before.” The port, located at the entrance of the Khor Abdullah cape in the Basra Gulf, is set to become one of the largest in the Middle East and a key node in connecting Asia to Europe.

Also referred to as the New Silk Road, the Development Road Project includes cooperation among Iraq, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Al-Saadawi concluded that the project will “redraw the face of Iraq’s economy” and position both Iraq and Turkey as bridge nations between East and West.