Erdogan looks to build ‘new world’ with Turkey-Iraq road and rail project

Map showing the proposed route of the road and rail link between Iraq and Turkey

Addressing attendees at the Concordia Summit in New York City, Erdogan said Turkey is committed to progressing the project in collaboration with other nations.

He said, “Through the Turkish-Iraqi development road, we will have the opportunity to build a new world through this step that we intend to take.”

The intention is for the project to serve as a land route connecting the Gulf states to Iraq and onward to Europe through Turkish territory.

‘Determination’ from many nations

Erdogan said the project would include both land and railway components, as well as all necessary infrastructure and superstructure.

He highlighted the commitment of nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iraq to the plan, and added, “We feel the same determination from the United States, Germany and Japan towards this project”.

The Development Road project was first announced by the Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani in late May, and is reported to include access to Turkish ports.