Davutoğlu, Iraqi Shiite leader discuss cooperation
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Ammar Abdulaziz al-Hakim, leader of Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, discussed the upcoming elections in Iraq and future cooperation regarding the Kurdish issue on Wednesday in Istanbul.
Davutoğlu signified that the elections were could be a “turning point” in the two countries’ relations.During the meeting, Davutoğlu said Turkey wanted a peaceful and prosperous Iraq, reported Anatolia news agency.
Al- Hakim stressed the importance of preserving the rights of all Iraqis, including those of the Turkmen people in Kirkuk. He welcomed Turkey’s support of Iraq’s democratization process and cooperation on water policy.
In an interview with broadcaster CNNTürk, al-Hakim responded to a question about Turkey’s recent foreign policy moves: “We see Turkey as a bridge between East and West. Of course, we welcome Turkey’s improved relations with the East. But it is important that Turkey maintains its position with the West at the same time.”
Source: Hurriyet
URL: www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=davutoglu-and-iraqi-shiite-leader-discuss-relations-2009-11-18