Diplomats visit BAPS Hindu Temple Complex in Abu Dhabi

Iraq on Saturday presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Middle East.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani announced the project during a conference with transport ministry representatives from Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

Once completed, the 17 billion USD project known as the "Route of Development" would span the length of the country, stretching 1,200 kilometres from the northern border with Turkiye to the Gulf in the south.

While further discussions are required, any country that wishes "will be able to carry out part of the project", the Iraqi parliament's transport committee said, adding the project could be completed in "three to five years".