According to Xinhua News Agency, on July 28 (local time) within the framework of the official visit to Turkey by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, the leaders of the two countries agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in many fields and promote the implementation of the "Road to Development" project.
Speaking at a press conference, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the two countries have completed an agreement related to the Iraq-Turkey crude oil pipeline.
Accordingly, Iraq will supply Turkey with 1 million barrels of oil per day.
Mr. Erdogan affirmed that Turkey is ready to provide Iraq with the defense industrial products it needs.
According to the Turkish President, the unstable situation in the region has prompted the two countries to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defense, energy and transportation.
For his part, Prime Minister al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq is making efforts to promote the "Road to Development" project - a large-scale infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting the Gulf region with the European market through Iraqi territory.
The "Road to Development" project is expected to connect a major cargo port on the southern coast of Iraq with the Turkish border, then expand to Europe through a railway and road network.
The project is expected to help Iraq transition from a oil-dependent economy to an important transit center, connecting Asia with Europe.
In a separate statement, Mr. al-Zaidi said that the Iraqi government wants to build an effective economic partnership with Turkey, and expects this country to increase investment in Iraq.
In response, President Erdogan affirmed that Turkey is ready to support Iraq in the field of civil aviation, contribute to the "Road to Development" project and encourage Turkish businesses to invest in Iraq.
According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office, the two countries also signed 3 memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of industrial property, academic training, youth and sports.
Turkish media said that these agreements are consistent with Turkey's vision of ensuring energy independence, while contributing to strengthening the country's energy security and supporting Iraq's long-term energy development goals.
