Baghdad – Ina
Today, Saturday, Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibes, revealed that Ankara has established a quadripartite council that includes Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia to pave the way for linking the development path with Europe, similar to the Iraqi, Turkish, Qatari, and Emirati quadripartite council. While he confirmed the start of the final designs of the project, he stated that Iraq’s doors are open to any country that desires. By joining the project.
Muhaibis told the (INA): “The initial designs for the railways within the Development Road Project reached 100%, and the Ministry has initiated the final designs,” stressing, “The completion rate of the initial designs for the highway reached 84%, while the feasibility study was completed by 100%.” And conduct soil examination of an area of more than 1,000 km.
He added, “Work is continuing to implement the project,” noting that “the ministerial statement of the second meeting held in Baghdad two days ago, which includes the four Ministers of Transport, organized the relationship, tasks, and responsibilities in managing the project.”
He stressed, “The statement included a paragraph, which is to keep the door open to any country that wishes to join the project,” explaining, “The upcoming discussions and studies will mature a systematic road map for implementing the development path.”
He pointed out, “The project includes stations, the first of which is Al-Faw Port, which is the beating heart of the Development Road Project, in which the completion rates in the five berths have reached 100%,” noting, “The completion rates in the other projects of the port have also reached 75%.”
He continued, “The other leg of the project is the link with Turkey all the way to Europe,” stressing, “The Turkish side has shown great interest in implementing the project and established a quadripartite council that includes Turkey, Iraq, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia, in order to prepare the road and connect it with Europe.”
The Ministers of Transport of Iraq, Turkey, Qatar and the UAE held a meeting in Baghdad to discuss the Development Road file, which resulted in a joint statement confirming the adoption of the joint coordination entity to manage the work of the Development Road Project (governance) and the preparation of the long-term work plan for the Development Road Project to achieve the desired goals and achievements of the project.
Title: Bridging Nations: A Conversation on the Development Road Project
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elias Khatib, an expert in international transportation and infrastructure development. We’ll discuss the recent announcements made by the Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibes, regarding the ambitious Development Road Project and the new quadripartite council established by Turkey. Dr. Khatib, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elias Khatib: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and to discuss such a pivotal development in international transit.
Interviewer: To start, Minister Muhaibes mentioned that a quadripartite council has been formed involving Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia. How significant is this cooperation among these nations concerning regional connectivity?
Dr. Khatib: This cooperation is crucial. By working together, these countries can enhance their transportation infrastructure, which ultimately supports economic growth and trade. The creation of this council is reminiscent of the Iraqi, Turkish, Qatari, and Emirati quadripartite council, signaling a clear shift towards regional cooperation in infrastructure development, specifically in connecting Europe with Asia through strategic rail and road links.
Interviewer: That’s interesting! Minister Muhaibes shared that the railway designs for the Development Road Project are complete, and the highway is significantly progressed as well. What impact do you think this will have on Iraq and the surrounding countries?
Dr. Khatib: The completion of these designs is a monumental step forward. It positions Iraq as a vital transit hub between Europe and Asia, potentially revolutionizing trade routes. For the neighboring countries, it opens doors to increased connectivity, which can lead to better trade agreements, higher tourism numbers, and lower transportation costs. it lays the groundwork for a more integrated regional economy.
Interviewer: You mentioned trades and tourism—those are very crucial. With the completion of feasibility studies and soil examinations, how does this pave the way for foreign investment in Iraq’s infrastructure?
Dr. Khatib: Foreign investment often hinges on concrete plans and feasibility. The fact that these foundational studies are completed shows potential investors that Iraq is serious about infrastructure development. When countries see an active commitment from the Iraqi government, they are more likely to invest not only in the Development Road Project but also in various sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and logistics.
Interviewer: Minister Muhaibes stated that Iraq’s doors are open to any country that wishes to participate in the development project. What can you predict about the level of interest from international players?
Dr. Khatib: Given the strategic importance of the project and the growing trend of countries looking to enhance cross-border trade, I anticipate significant interest. Countries with an eye on expanding their trade routes, such as China, Gulf states, and even European nations, may see this as an excellent opportunity to invest. Each potential partnership brings different strengths—be it technology, finance, or logistics expertise.
Interviewer: A comprehensive approach indeed. As we wrap up, what do you think will be the biggest challenges moving forward for Iraq and its partners in this project?
Dr. Khatib: Challenges will undoubtedly arise; political stability is paramount when undertaking such massive projects. Additionally, synchronizing the interests of multiple countries could lead to negotiations that might slow progress. Infrastructure development often faces environmental and regulatory hurdles too. If Iraq tackles these challenges effectively, it can pave the way for a transformative era in regional transportation.
Interviewer: Those are insightful comments, Dr. Khatib. Thank you for sharing your expertise on such an important topic. The Development Road Project certainly lays the groundwork for greater regional cooperation and economic integration.
Dr. Khatib: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these developments, and I look forward to seeing how this project unfolds in the future.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates from Time.news.