Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the significance of the Development Road project as a pivotal opportunity for fostering integration among Iraq, Turkey, and other regional countries. During a joint press conference with the Turkish President, al-Sudani underscored the neighborly bond between Iraq and Turkey, highlighting the unified stance on security matters concerning both nations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s firm policy against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), declaring it banned within Iraqi territory and asserting that no party will be allowed to use Iraqi land to launch attacks on neighbors. He also mentioned ongoing committee discussions addressing the water issues shared between the countries and welcomed efforts to disarm the PKK.

Further, the Prime Minister noted the signing of several memoranda of understanding across various sectors, emphasizing the Development Road project as a strategic initiative for regional cooperation. He announced the establishment of an authority dedicated to the project, indicating serious intent to see it through to implementation.

Al-Sudani also expressed Iraq’s readiness to collaborate with Turkey in establishing factories on Iraqi soil, involving the private sector in the initiative. He highlighted the shared stance with Turkey regarding the situation in Gaza, describing it as genocide, and reiterated Iraq’s view of Syria as integral to its national security.

Concluding his address, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to combating ISIS, recognizing the ongoing threat it poses to regional security.