Türkiye’s Development Road Project advances toward Iraq and Syria
An aerial view of Grand Faw Port in Basra on November 6, 2024 (AA Photo)
Türkiye has made significant progress in the Development Road Project, which aims to link the country to Iraq’s Gulf port of Al-Faw via a 1,200-kilometer (745.65 miles) corridor of highways and railways.
Speaking to the Turkish media outlet Hurriyet, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the project, which is being coordinated with Iraq, is entering a new phase with upcoming high-level visits between the two nations.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is expected to visit Türkiye in the coming days.
According to Uraloglu, this visit may solidify agreements regarding the next steps in financing and implementation. A potential reciprocal visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Iraq is also under consideration in the first half of the year.
Multinational financial support expected for Development Road
The Development Road Project, which aims to open Iraq’s hinterland to Europe via Türkiye, is receiving attention from multiple international actors.
The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are expected to contribute financial support. Discussions are also underway with global financial institutions to secure further funding.
A declaration signed in Iraq in November 2023 by Türkiye, Iraq, the UAE, and Qatar established the framework for cooperation. Uraloglu noted that while implementation offices have yet to open due to logistical delays on the Iraqi side, this does not hinder ongoing work.
The opening of Al-Faw Port, the first phase of the project, is expected to take place later this year.
Türkiye and Syria railway connection in focus
Uraloglu also provided updates on infrastructure developments in Syria.
Türkiye plans to extend its railway network from Meydan-i Ekbez toward Aleppo and ultimately to Damascus. While 45 to 50 kilometers of the railway line have been damaged, the remainder is intact and operational.
Restoration of the damaged section is a priority. Once completed, the line will provide a continuous railway connection from Türkiye to Syria’s capital. Uraloglu estimated the cost of the repair work to be between €50 million ($54.12 million) and €60 million, which Türkiye aims to finance through available channels.
