Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker, Numan Kurtulmuş, has underscored the potential benefits of an upcoming disarmament initiative targeting the PKK and its affiliates, suggesting it could bolster stability in Iraq and contribute to broader peace efforts in the region. Speaking in Ankara alongside Iraqi Parliament Speaker Heybet Halbusi, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the process, anticipated to commence next month, could enhance peace and security in both Iraq and Syria.
Kurtulmuş framed this initiative within Türkiye’s wider aspirations for a “terror-free Türkiye” and a “terror-free region.” He called for increased regional cooperation and the resolution of longstanding divisions to achieve these goals. Highlighting the strengthening ties between Türkiye and Iraq, he referenced various agreements and memorandums reached during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2024 visit to Iraq, along with strategic agreements made following the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to Türkiye in July.
A significant area of collaboration is the Development Road Project, envisioned as a transport corridor to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe via Iraq and Türkiye. Kurtulmuş identified this project as crucial for fostering economic growth throughout the region. Türkiye, he noted, is committed to expediting the project, expressing hopes that all components can become operational promptly.
Beyond its economic implications, Kurtulmuş described the Development Road Project as a venture with the potential to connect communities, cities, and cultures through mutually advantageous cooperation. This initiative, he suggested, is poised to serve as a bridge linking diverse regions across two continents, underscoring its strategic importance.