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Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that Türkiye's Development Road Project is approximately 95% complete, with construction expected to begin next year despite ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking at a press conference regarding the "Global Transport Corridors Forum" to be held June 27-29, Minister Uraloglu provided updates on the Development Road Project's progress.
"I can say the Development Road Project is approximately finished, at around a 95% level. Only some detailed work is being done in the region near our border. That area has its own sensitivities, that's why. Today I can say we have caught the opportunity to start the project as a project," Uraloglu said.
When asked whether the conflict and war environment between Israel and Iran would disrupt projects like the Development Road, Uraloglu indicated that such conflicts bring some question marks regarding these projects.
Noting that the Strait of Hormuz is a maritime transportation route through which 30% of the world's oil passes, Uraloglu stated,
"Certainly there can be problems at certain periods, but our effort is towards these not happening at all, but we don't foresee this continuing indefinitely either. The world doesn't have a chance to sustain such a problem anyway."
Drawing attention to the fact that transport corridors are more valuable than normal during crisis times, Uraloglu said, "Therefore, targeting these corridors or the countries that will use them is very possible. When there is tension with a country, if there is conflict or war, the first effort is to cut off its logistics."
He emphasized that while Türkiye is self-sufficient in food, many countries are not, making logistics disruption a common warfare strategy.
"Therefore, targeting these, efforts to delay projects, and efforts to ensure they are not built are expected efforts and expected thoughts, but we also take our guard according to this," he added.
"Therefore, such conflicts or tensions in this project may delay the start a bit. It may require a bit more concentration regarding the financing to be provided there, but we will definitely implement the development road, if not today or in the time frame we want, then certainly," the minister explained.
Uraloglu acknowledged receiving unofficial information that Iran has formally declared war, describing the current situation as "a de facto state of war, whatever we call it."
The minister emphasized the strategic importance of alternative transport routes given current global tensions.
"In times of crisis, transport corridors are more valuable than normal," he noted, explaining why such projects become targets during conflicts.
Uraloglu stressed that despite current regional challenges, Türkiye remains committed to implementing the Development Road project, recognizing its critical role in regional connectivity and economic development.
Regarding financing models, Uraloglu said many alternatives are being discussed and continue to be discussed, including Iraq financing through crude oil and finding international financing.
"There is a quadrilateral agreement there, but in the first stage, in terms of construction, I can say we have made progress at the point where Iraq and Türkiye can establish a company and carry out construction work through this company," the minister stated.
He added that financing could potentially be arranged through a fund established by the four countries' initiative. "By focusing on this a bit this year, I think we can start construction next year," Uraloglu evaluated.
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The minister lastly noted that significant progress has been made in establishing a joint company structure between Iraq and Türkiye to manage the construction phase of the project.
"We can say we have made a step forward at the point of feasibility of carrying out construction work through this company," Uraloglu explained, indicating that the operational framework for project implementation is taking shape
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