Serhad Varlı, Türkiye’s Mosul consul common, described Turkish investments in Iraq’s second-largest metropolis as transformative, with the potential to create jobs and place it as a regional commerce middle.
Varlı emphasised the importance of the Development Road Project, which goals to attach Iraq to Asia and Europe via Türkiye by way of rail and street networks.
He additionally highlighted Turkish-led initiatives in Mosul and the native expectations for Türkiye’s contributions to the town’s revitalization.
“One of Türkiye’s key objectives is to help Mosul’s growth and enhance dwelling requirements,” Varlı instructed Anadolu Agency (AA).
The Development Road Project, introduced in May 2023, has introduced renewed hope to the town on the west financial institution of the Tigris River.
“The Development Road Project is a vital street map for us. Complementing this, we’re striving to extend Turkish investments in each sector in Mosul,” Varlı stated.
Firms from Türkiye have already performed a essential position within the reconstruction of Mosul since what was seen because the final bastion of Daesh was liberated from the terrorist group in 2017.
Officials and residents say there may be nonetheless a protracted technique to go, with pockmarked buildings with collapsed flooring and uncovered rebar nonetheless seen round Mosul.
Driving change
Varlı praised Turkish firms for his or her lively position within the metropolis, calling their investments “game-changers.”
The metropolis’s worldwide airport, which fell into disuse after the occupation by Daesh in 2014, is at present present process repairs by Turkish firms. It is anticipated to be reopened for flights round June this yr, in line with officers.
“With the completion of the airport, we anticipate a rise in industrial, cultural, and financial interplay between Mosul and Türkiye,” Varlı stated.
He additionally highlighted a 600-bed hospital challenge led by a Turkish agency. Once accomplished, will probably be one in all Iraq’s largest hospitals.
Efforts to ascertain organized industrial zones in Mosul and Tal Afar are additionally progressing, Varlı stated.
These initiatives have seen important developments since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s go to to Iraq in April.
“These industrial zones will allow Turkish businesspeople to make extra investments in Mosul,” Varlı stated.
“Through these initiatives, important business and funding ecosystems will likely be created. Mosul and Tal Afar will turn into key hubs for the Development Road Project and for regional and world commerce,” he added.
The initiative is anticipated to price some $17 billion and is designed to facilitate the transport of products from the Gulf to Europe by way of the Grand Faw Port in Basra in southern Iraq. The port could be linked to Türkiye and subsequently to Europe via an intensive community of railways and highways.
Strengthening ties
Varlı underscored the historic and cultural ties between Türkiye and Mosul, which date again to the Ottoman period.
Türkiye has persistently supported Mosul, even throughout its most difficult durations.
“The folks of Mosul have by no means forgotten this and by no means will, as they nonetheless acknowledge it in the present day. This has performed a major position within the power of our relationships,” he stated.
“As a state, via all our establishments, personal sector, residents and educational circles, we intention to additional develop our relationships with Mosul and assist it witness even brighter days.”
Varli additionally highlighted the contributions of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which has carried out important initiatives in Mosul and Tal Afar.
He underlined the curiosity in establishing a Turkish college in Mosul, with plans by the Maarif Foundation to open one quickly. Additionally, the Yunus Emre Institute is making ready to open a middle in Mosul to supply Turkish language training and different cultural actions.
Source: www.dailysabah.com