In a recent statement, Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş emphasized the potential benefits of a forthcoming disarmament initiative involving the PKK and its affiliates, which is anticipated to commence next month. Kurtulmuş suggested that this process could play a significant role in enhancing stability within Iraq and fostering peace efforts throughout the wider region. During a meeting in Ankara with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Heybet Halbusi, he underscored the initiative’s alignment with Türkiye’s broader goals of establishing a “terror-free Türkiye” and a “terror-free region,” calling for increased collaboration among regional nations to overcome historical divisions.
Kurtulmuş also highlighted the strengthening ties between Türkiye and Iraq, noting significant agreements and memorandums that were established during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2024 visit to Iraq. Additionally, he referred to strategic accords following the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Türkiye in July, showcasing the deepening cooperation between the two countries. This growing relationship is seen as pivotal in advancing stability and security across the region.
Another critical area of cooperation identified by Kurtulmuş is the Development Road Project, a planned transport corridor designed to boost connectivity between Asia and Europe via Iraq and Türkiye. He expressed Türkiye’s full support for expediting the project’s progress, emphasizing its potential to not only enhance economic growth but also to facilitate connections among communities, cities, and cultures through mutually advantageous cooperation.
The Development Road Project is envisioned as more than just an economic endeavor. Kurtulmuş articulated its broader implications, suggesting that it could serve as a bridge linking diverse regions and fostering cross-cultural interactions. By accelerating the completion of this initiative, Türkiye hopes to see the project’s components become operational in the near future, thereby contributing to the region’s prosperity and integration.