Turkish Foreign Minister to discuss Development Road Project in Baghdad

Shafaq News/ Turkish Foreign Minister Omer Bolat
is set to visit Baghdad on Monday for high-level discussions about the
Development Road project, an initiative linking the Gulf, Iraq, Turkiye, and
Europe.

An Iraqi government source told Shafaq News that
Bolat will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani upon his
arrival in the Iraqi capital. “The talks will focus on key infrastructure and
superstructure projects related to the Development Road,” the source
added.

About Development Road Project

Iraq’s Development Road project, officially
launched during Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad in April,
is set to become a cornerstone of regional trade and economic growth. Iraqi
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani says that the vital Road project
“will transform Iraq from a landlocked country to an open one.”

The project features a 1,275-kilometer
(792-mile) rail and road network designed to streamline the movement of goods
between Europe and the Gulf region. It is anticipated to significantly reduce
trade costs between China and Europe, with energy playing a crucial role due to
Iraq’s substantial oil reserves.

The investment budget for the project is
estimated at $17 billion, with $6.5 billion allocated for highways and $10.5
billion designated for an electrified railway.

In addition to transforming regional trade
dynamics, the Road Project is forecasted to create 100,000 jobs in its first
phase and potentially up to one million jobs upon completion.