Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker, Numan Kurtulmuş, has announced an anticipated disarmament initiative involving the PKK and its affiliates, which is set to commence next month. This move is expected to enhance stability in Iraq and bolster peace efforts across the region. While speaking in Ankara alongside Iraqi Parliament Speaker Heybet Halbusi, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the initiative could significantly contribute to strengthening peace and stability in both Iraq and Syria.
Kurtulmuş connected this disarmament process to Türkiye’s broader goals of achieving a “terror-free Türkiye” and a “terror-free region.” He urged for increased cooperation among regional nations to overcome longstanding divisions. The growing relationship between Türkiye and Iraq was also underscored, highlighting the agreements and memorandums established during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Iraq in 2024 and the subsequent strategic accords following the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Türkiye in July.
Another key area of collaboration identified by Kurtulmuş is the Development Road Project. This ambitious transport corridor aims to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe via Iraq and Türkiye, fostering economic growth throughout the region. Kurtulmuş expressed Türkiye’s full support for hastening the project’s progress, voicing hopes that its components would become operational promptly.
Describing the Development Road Project as more than just an economic venture, Kurtulmuş highlighted its potential to connect communities, cities, and cultures through mutually advantageous cooperation. This initiative, according to him, is poised to play a significant role in bridging gaps and fostering unity across diverse regions.