Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Affirms Iraq’s Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Türkiye and Announces the Launch of the Development Road Project ••••• Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi affirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with Türkiye, which span centuries, and announced the launch of work on the strategic Development Road Project. He made these remarks during the joint press conference held with the President of the Republic of Türkiye in Ankara this evening, Tuesday. The Prime Minister emphasized that Iraq and Türkiye are bound by shared geography, civilization, and water resources. He noted that today’s visit resulted in the signing of several agreements in the fields of energy, transportation, education, and water, while affirming the government’s determination to develop these ties into a comprehensive partnership founded on brotherhood. The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the Development Road Project, describing it as Iraq’s “third river,” which will transform the two countries into a vital junction linking East and West. He added that the project will elevate bilateral relations to a more advanced level, maximize economic resources, and lead to increased oil flows in the energy sector. For his part, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Prime Minister Al-Zaidi and the accompanying delegation, expressing Türkiye’s readiness to support the Prime Minister in carrying out his responsibilities and implementing his development plans. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to cooperating with Iraq on security and coordination efforts aimed at making the region free of terrorism, while deepening cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation, and the Development Road Project. In addition, he emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change, promote the sustainable use of water resources, and increase bilateral trade. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister July 28, 2026