Key Transport Ministers Convene in Istanbul to Discuss Major Regional Project

Transport ministers from Turkiye, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates meet in Istanbul to discuss the $20 billion Development Road Project aimed at easing the movement of goods from Asia to Europe. The project involves the development of the Grand Faw Port in Iraq and its connection to Turkiye and Europe through a rail and highway network.

Transport ministers from Turkiye, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates convened in Istanbul on Thursday to deliberate on a multibillion-dollar transportation project designed to streamline the movement of goods from Asia to Europe through Iraq.

The USD 20 billion Development Road Project aims to facilitate trade from the Gulf to Europe via the Grand Faw Port in Basra, southern Iraq. This port would be connected to Turkiye and subsequently to Europe through an extensive network of railways and highways.

The initiative, unveiled last year, is expected to make Iraq a pivotal transportation hub, boosting its economic resurgence and fostering cooperation with neighboring countries. The meeting also coincides with efforts by Iraq and Turkiye to mend ties strained by various issues, including Kurdish militants' presence in northern Iraq and Turkish military actions against them.

(With inputs from agencies.)