Iraq transport minister signs Development Road deal in Ankara after initial disagreement with PM

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi's official visit to Turkey was marked by an apparent disagreement over the Development Road agreement, with Transport Minister Wahb al-Hasani initially declining to sign before signing on the prime minister's instruction, according to reports. The transport minister's hesitation has not been publicly explained, and a statement issued after the signing did not clarify the technical or economic concerns that had been raised. Officials have not detailed the reasons behind the change in position during the Ankara visit. The Development Road project has been described as large and strategic, and Iraqi officials have said the agreement should have been reviewed in depth with experts in Baghdad before the visit to Ankara. The lack of clarity surrounding the negotiations with Turkey has fueled public concern about transparency in the process. No further details on the technical objections or the content of the signed agreement were immediately available.