Relations between Iraq and Türkiye have historically been marked by a series of tensions and conflicts, rooted in various geopolitical, economic, and environmental disputes. Foremost among these issues are the contentious water rights concerning the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which have significant implications for agricultural and water security in Iraq. Additionally, Türkiye’s military operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization by Türkiye and several other countries, have exacerbated hostilities, particularly in the northern regions of Iraq where PKK has established strongholds. These factors have collectively contributed to nearly a century of diplomatic strain between the two nations.
However, a pivotal meeting on April 22nd between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signals a potential shift in this long-standing dynamic. The Baghdad summit demonstrated both leaders’ commitment to moving beyond previous grievances in favor of fostering a strategic partnership. This evolving relationship is underscored by the signing of an impressive 26 memoranda of understanding, indicating a shared interest in collaboration across multiple sectors.
Among the key areas targeted for cooperation are the joint development of essential water resource management strategies, implementation of educational exchanges aimed at fostering human capital, and promotion of tourism to enhance people-to-people connections. Notably, these agreements highlight a mutual desire to cultivate a robust economic relationship. The most ambitious of these initiatives is the Development Road project, which aims to revolutionize trade logistics between Europe and Asia.
The Development Road is a transformative infrastructure project designed to create an efficient, modern trade corridor that links various regions through Iraq and Türkiye. It will commence from the under-construction al-Faw megaport—set to become the largest port in the region upon completion—utilizing Iraq’s existing network of highways and railways to facilitate the movement of goods. The planned route will culminate at Türkiye’s strategic Ovaköy junction, enabling seamless transit to key European destinations via Mersin Port or the Kapıkule land crossing. This new logistical route promises to significantly reduce transit times from 35 days via the traditional Suez Canal route and even longer via the Cape of Good Hope to just 25 days, thus enhancing the economic prospects for both Iraq and Türkiye by promoting increased trade and investment flows across borders.
