Baghdad: The Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday that 94% of the railway plans and 85% of the land plans for the Development Road project have been completed, while indicating that there are international discussions to attract reputable companies to implement the project.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Director of Media and Government Communication at the Ministry of Transport, Hussein Ahmed, stated that a framework memorandum of understanding was signed with the Turkish side regarding the implementation phase of the development road, related to cooperation and attracting the most reputable companies to implement the strategic project. He added that the ministry and the government are currently continuing their efforts to complete the first phase, which consists of the basic plans for the project and the areas through which the road passes in the Iraqi governorates. The Italian consulting company concerned with implementing the plans has completed 94% of the railway line plans and 85% of the road plans.

Ahmed explained that work is continuing according to the specified and agreed-upon timetables and schedules for the first phase. He noted that Minister of Transport Wahab Al-Hassani held discussions during the previous period with a number of ambassadors of European countries, including Spain, Italy, and a number of EU countries, regarding the importance of this road. Iraq extends its hand to all reputable international companies to contribute to the completion of this project after the plans are finalized, due to the mutual benefits.

During his recent visit to Turkey, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced the commencement of work on the Strategic Development Road project. Al-Zaidi emphasized the project's significant importance, describing it as a "third river" that will make the two countries a meeting point and link between East and West. He added that relations between the two nations will be further developed, economic resources will be maximized, and oil flows will be doubled.