A four-party memorandum for the creation of the transport axis planned by Ankara, which will connect the Persian Gulf with Turkey, was signed during the visit of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad.
The memorandum of understanding was signed under the auspices of the Turkish president and the Iraqi prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, between Iraq, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Ankara’s planned “Development Road” will connect the Persian Gulf with Turkey, creating a transport axis alternative and competitive to the planned commercial maritime and rail axis announced at the G20 Summit in India in September 2023. and which will start from India and through the Arabian Peninsula and Israel will end up in the Mediterranean and from there to the ports of Greece and Italy.
To create the transport corridor, 1,190 km of highway and 1,176 km of high-speed rail network will need to be built.
At the same time, Turkey and Iraq signed a framework agreement on a wide range of issues, with the most important being the joint fight by the two countries against the Kurdish rebels of the PKK in Northern Iraq and the cooperation on the transfer of water from Turkey to Iraq.
The strategic agreement is a “firm road map”, the Turkish president said in the joint interview with the Iraqi prime minister. “I believe that my visit and the agreements that have just been signed will be a new turning point in Turkey-Iraq relations,” Erdogan said.
He also said that cooperation in the field of security and the fight against terrorism was one of the most important topics on the agenda during his contacts in Iraq, stressing that Turkey welcomes the designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization banned in Iraq. “We discussed the joint steps we can take against the PKK terrorist organization and its extensions targeting Turkey from Iraqi territory,” the Turkish president said.
The Turkish president also reiterated his appeal to all parties involved to refrain from escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Referring to Turkey’s economic relations with Iraq, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara’s desire is to increase the volume of trade, which hovered around $20 billion last year, to higher levels.
Turkish political analysts characterize the visit of President Erdogan, who last visited Baghdad 12 years ago, as historic.
Earlier, the Turkish president met with his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Latif Rashid.
After completing his contacts in Baghdad, Erdogan left for Erbil in northern Iraq, where he will hold talks with the leadership of the autonomous government.
Source: ertnews
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– What are the key components of the transport axis connecting the Persian Gulf to Turkey?
Table of Contents
Turkey and Iraq Sign Historic Memorandum to Create Transport Axis Connecting Persian Gulf to Turkey
In a significant development, a four-party memorandum of understanding was signed during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Baghdad, aimed at creating a transport axis connecting the Persian Gulf with Turkey. The agreement, signed between Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, paves the way for the construction of a major transport corridor, which will provide an alternative and competitive route to the planned commercial maritime and rail axis announced at the G20 Summit in India in September 2023.
The “Development Road” Project: A Game-Changer for Regional Trade
The “Development Road” project, as envisioned by Ankara, will connect the Persian Gulf with Turkey, spanning a distance of approximately 1,190 km of highway and 1,176 km of high-speed rail network. This ambitious project is expected to revolutionize regional trade and commerce, providing a faster and more efficient route for the movement of goods and services.
Turkey and Iraq Strengthen Ties with Framework Agreement
In addition to the memorandum of understanding, Turkey and Iraq signed a framework agreement covering a wide range of issues, including cooperation on security and the fight against terrorism. The two countries have agreed to jointly combat the Kurdish rebels of the PKK in Northern Iraq, and cooperate on the transfer of water from Turkey to Iraq. This agreement marks a significant milestone in Turkey-Iraq relations, with President Erdogan describing it as a “firm road map” for future cooperation.
Cooperation on Security and Counter-Terrorism
The joint fight against the PKK terrorist organization was a key topic of discussion during President Erdogan’s visit to Iraq. Turkey welcomes the designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization banned in Iraq, and the two countries have agreed to take joint steps to combat the group’s activities. President Erdogan reiterated his appeal to all parties involved to refrain from escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for cooperation and dialogue.
Boosting Economic Relations
Turkey and Iraq have also agreed to increase trade volumes, which currently stand at around $20 billion annually. President Erdogan expressed Ankara’s desire to expand economic relations with Baghdad, with a focus on increasing trade and investment.
A Historic Visit
Turkish political analysts have characterized President Erdogan’s visit to Baghdad, his first in 12 years, as historic. The visit marks a significant shift in Turkey-Iraq relations, with both countries committing to strengthen cooperation on a range of issues, from security and counter-terrorism to trade and economic development.
Regional Implications
The creation of the transport axis and the strengthening of Turkey-Iraq relations has significant implications for the region. The project will provide a major boost to regional trade and commerce, and pave the way for greater economic integration and cooperation. The agreement also demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to regional stability and security, and its willingness to work with other countries to address common challenges.
Conclusion
The signing of the memorandum of understanding and the framework agreement between Turkey and Iraq marks an important milestone in the development of regional trade and commerce. The “Development Road” project has the potential to transform the regional economy, and provide a major boost to trade and investment. As Turkey and Iraq strengthen their relations, the region is poised to benefit from increased cooperation and collaboration on a range of issues, from security and counter-terrorism to trade and economic development.
Keywords: Turkey, Iraq, transport axis, Persian Gulf, Turkey-Iraq relations, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, PKK, counter-terrorism, trade, economic development, regional integration.
What are the key benefits of the Turkey-Iraq transport axis for regional trade?
Turkey and Iraq Sign Historic Memorandum to Create Transport Axis Connecting Persian Gulf to Turkey
In a significant development, a four-party memorandum of understanding was signed during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Baghdad, aimed at creating a transport axis connecting the Persian Gulf with Turkey. The agreement, signed between Iraq, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, paves the way for