Mosul governor seeks increased Turkish role in city’s reconstruction

ISTANBUL

The governor of Iraqi city Mosul called for greater Turkish role in the reconstruction of the city destroyed by ISIS/Daesh from 2014 to 2018.

Mosul Governor Abdulkadir al-Dehil visited Türkiye on Nov. 26-29 to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation between Iraq and Türkiye.

He highlighted the importance of utilizing Türkiye's experience in industry and agriculture to aid in Mosul's development, particularly after the city's destruction by ISIS/Daesh from 2014 to 2018.

During his trip, which included stops in Ankara, Istanbul, and Konya, al-Dehil noted the growing ties between the two countries, emphasizing the shared cultural, historical, and geographical connections.

He expressed his support for increased involvement of Turkish companies in the reconstruction of Mosul, citing the ongoing work by Turkish firms on projects such as the Mosul International Airport and Ibn Sina Hospital.

In an interview with Anadolu, Al-Dehil also called for more Turkish investments in Mosul, hoping it would help address regional unemployment.

He suggested that Türkiye's experience in privatization could benefit the economic development of both Mosul and Iraq.

Additionally, he proposed establishing sister city relationships between Mosul and Turkish cities, similar to those between other Iraqi cities and Türkiye, to further strengthen cooperation.