Turkish trade delegation in Baghdad

A large Turkish trade delegation arrived in Baghdad on board of a private plane in a visit which lasts for three days to hold talks with the Iraqi officials with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation relations.

The chairman of the Turkish delegation Tonja Toskai told journalists at the airport that the visit aims at holding discussions with the Iraqi officials on means of developing trade and economic relations between the two countries. He added he has a strong will to develop these relations, especially as relations between the two countries have witnessed during the two past years a notable progress in the economic and trade areas.

The Turkish official explained he will discuss with the Iraqi oil minister Amer Muhammad Rasheed means for developing relations in the area of energy, especially oil and gas.

Iraq and Turkey in 1997 signed an agreement provided for extending a pipeline for transporting natural gas from Iraq to Turkey of 1380 Km length at a cost of USD 5.3 billion.

Today, Tuesday, Tuskai is taking part in the inauguration of the fourth Turkish products exports with the participation of 150 Turkish companies, specialized in food industries, construction, textile and car production.

On the other hand, the Iraqi oil minister Muhammad Amer Rasheed who was welcoming the Turkish minister at the airport said that the visit of the Turkish minister is very important for the two countries, noting that during this visit means of finding out new formula for trade and economic co-operation between the two countries were reviewed.