Baghdad, July 28 (SANA) Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi called for a new phase of economic partnership with Türkiye, saying Iraq has broad opportunities to turn shared challenges into development and prosperity.
In an article published by Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency on Tuesday, al-Zaidi said relations between Iraq and Türkiye over past decades had focused on security, water, trade and border movement. He called for a shift toward a broader partnership centered on development and shared economic interests.
Al-Zaidi said Türkiye has an advanced industrial base, a strategic location and expertise in infrastructure, energy and transport. He said the capabilities of the two countries extend beyond their shared border and could provide a foundation for a broad economic partnership.
He highlighted the Development Road project as an opportunity to turn the geographic positions of Iraq and Türkiye into economic value by connecting the Gulf, Asia and Europe.
The project, he said, goes beyond transporting goods and can support the establishment of industrial zones, investment opportunities and jobs.
Al-Zaidi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Iraq and Türkiye in security, water and energy. He said development and stability require cooperation based on mutual interests and regional integration.
The Development Road is a strategic road and rail corridor carrying goods through Iraq from the Grand Faw Port in southern Iraq to the Turkish border in the north, with the aim of connecting the Arabian Gulf and Asian markets with Europe.
Al-Zaidi arrived in Türkiye on Tuesday at the head of a high-level official delegation at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
kA.RK
