Türkiye is poised to initiate a disarmament process with the PKK and its affiliates, a move that could bolster stability in Iraq and enhance peace efforts throughout the region, according to Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. Speaking in Ankara alongside Iraqi Parliament Speaker Heybet Halbusi, Kurtulmuş expressed optimism that this initiative, anticipated to commence next month, would not only reinforce peace and stability in Iraq but also contribute significantly to security in Syria.
Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, Kurtulmuş linked the disarmament process to Türkiye’s broader objectives of a “terror-free Türkiye” and a “terror-free region.” He called for heightened collaboration among neighboring countries to overcome enduring divisions. Kurtulmuş also highlighted the strengthening ties between Türkiye and Iraq, citing various agreements and memorandums established during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2024 visit to Iraq, alongside further strategic accords following the Iraqi prime minister’s visit to Türkiye in July.
A focal point of the Türkiye-Iraq collaboration is the Development Road Project, which Kurtulmuş identified as a pivotal area of cooperation. This planned transport corridor aims to enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe by traversing Iraq and Türkiye and is expected to support economic growth across the region. According to Kurtulmuş, Türkiye is fully committed to advancing this project and hopes for the rapid operationalization of all its components.
Kurtulmuş described the Development Road Project as more than just an economic endeavor, emphasizing its potential to connect communities, cities, and cultures through mutually beneficial cooperation. He underscored Türkiye’s support for accelerating the project, viewing it as a means to foster long-term regional stability and prosperity.