Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi, in an article penned ahead of his visit to Turkey, stated that Iraq and Turkey are on the verge of a historic opportunity that could turn their geographical positions into economic value.
Stressing that his country has now entered a path of stability, reform and development, Zeydi said, "The Iraq I set out from today as I come to Ankara is not the old Iraq the region knew just a few years ago."
The Prime Minister noted that Iraq has reshaped its national priorities around the goal of building a strong economy and an effective state structure, and that they have put forward a balanced foreign policy vision that places regional cooperation at the center of sustainable growth.
Pointing to Turkey's advanced industrial capacity, strategic location and experience in infrastructure, energy and transportation, Zeydi said the joint potential of the two countries forms the foundation of one of the region's most important economic partnerships.
Noting that at a time when global trade and supply chains are being reshaped, Iraq and Turkey could serve as a vital bridge connecting the Gulf, Asia and Europe, Zeydi pointed to the strategic importance of the Development Road Project.
Zeydi said they view the project not merely as an Iraqi initiative but as a regional step with the potential to redefine economic ties across the Middle East, adding, "It will create new cities, industrial zones, massive investment opportunities and thousands of jobs."
Stressing that no strategic partnership can take root in an environment where security and stability are not established, the Iraqi Prime Minister said the security of the two countries can only be ensured through mutual respect for sovereignty rights and a joint will against terrorism and organized crime.
Stating that the water issue has now become a strategic development imperative, Zeydi said they aim to demonstrate a joint will that prioritizes scientific cooperation and investment in modern technologies to secure the water and food security of the peoples.
Voicing that the Middle East needs new success stories, Zeydi noted that if Iraq and Turkey go beyond the limits of traditional cooperation and meet in a vision of genuine integration, they could write one of the region's most inspiring chapters.
Zeydi said they believe that lasting stability is built around joint projects rather than conflicts, adding, "Every success we achieve in building this model will bring us one step closer to the ideal of a more stable, much more prosperous and fully prepared Middle East for the future."
