# Turkey-Iraq infrastructure and energy cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-iraq-infrastructure-and-energy-cooperation > Updated: 2026-10-23T20:32:51.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 6. Turkey and Iraq are advancing bilateral cooperation through large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, specifically centered on the Development Road Project. This initiative aims to connect the Persian Gulf to Europe via Iraq and Turkey. Initial developments focused on transport and infrastructure, with Turkey reporting significant long-term investments and a consensus with Iraq on a financing mechanism that utilizes Iraq’s natural resource values. Subsequent discussions expanded to include energy security and the integration of oil, gas, and electricity transmission lines. Recent high-level meetings between Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Muhammed Khudair in Ankara have focused on finalizing a roadmap for comprehensive, long-term energy agreements. A primary strategic focus is the plan to extend and increase the capacity of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Basra to provide a reliable alternative to energy supplies from the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz. Following a crude oil transport contract signed in August between BOTAŞ, SOMO, and NOC, the two nations are activating joint working groups to manage projects involving exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and electricity. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi has described the project as a ‘third river’ for Iraq and noted a goal of exporting 1 million barrels of crude oil daily. To mark the project's progress, al-Zeydi announced plans to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to a groundbreaking ceremony for the 1,200-kilometer land and rail route, which is expected to follow national budget approval. Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, stated that the Development Road Project is projected to contribute approximately $55 billion to the Turkish national economy over a 10-year period and create an average of 70,000 jobs annually. ## Claims - Turkey and Iraq are strengthening their energy relationship to a new and more robust dimension. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Turkey and Iraq are clarifying a roadmap for a long-term and comprehensive agreement following the August crude oil transport contract between BOTAŞ, SOMO, and NOC. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Joint working groups will be activated to finalize projects regarding oil and gas infrastructure, exploration, production, oil trade, refineries, petrochemicals, and electricity. (corroborated by 7 sources) - There are plans to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Basra and increase its capacity to provide an alternative to the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Turkey aims to meet the target of 1 million barrels of crude oil supply mentioned by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The goal is to transform Ceyhan into a global energy hub by increasing trade volume. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Turkey intends to develop the Development Road as a strategic 'energy road' supported by oil, natural gas, and electricity transmission lines. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) is expected to play an active role in various Iraqi fields beyond the Kirkuk sites. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Iraq to invite President Erdogan to Development Road project groundbreaking Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaydi will invite Turkish President Erdogan to the groundbreaking of the Development Road project, a major trade link connecting the Gulf to Europe via Iraq and Turkey. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-to-invite-president-erdogan-to-development-road-project-groundbreaking ### 2026-10-19: Turkey's Development Road Project to add $55 billion to economy Turkey's Development Road Project is expected to add $55 billion to the economy and create 70,000 annual jobs over a decade, strengthening the nation's role in global logistics. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-development-road-project-to-add-55-billion-to-economy ### 2026-10-13: Turkey outlines $25 billion infrastructure project with Iraq Turkish Deputy Minister Osman Boyraz detailed a $25 billion infrastructure project with Iraq and the strategic importance of the Zengezur Corridor for regional trade and logistics. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-outlines-25-billion-infrastructure-project-with-iraq ### 2026-10-05: Development Road Project aims to create strategic energy corridor Turkey and Iraq are developing the Development Road Project, a strategic energy corridor capable of transporting 2.5 million barrels of oil daily with an estimated annual economic value of up to $80 billion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/development-road-project-aims-to-create-strategic-energy-corridor ### 2026-10-02: Turkey and Iraq plan to extend Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Basra Turkey and Iraq are developing a roadmap for expanded energy cooperation, including extending the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Basra to create a strategic alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-discuss-expanding-energy-cooperation-and-pipelines ### 2026-09-19: Turkey announces $355 billion in transport and infrastructure investments Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced $355 billion in Turkish transport investments and confirmed a financing consensus with Iraq for the Development Road Project. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/development-road-project-erdoan-intervenes-to-resolve-signing-impasse --- Cite as: Turkey-Iraq infrastructure and energy cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-iraq-infrastructure-and-energy-cooperation