Turkey approves developing cooperation with the Arab states

Turkey expressed yesterday its complete relief over the statement of the Damascus Declaration countries issued in Doha on last Thursday and it has reiterated its desire to develop its ties with the Arab states in all respects.

The statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued as a reply to the Doha statement pointed to the item which called for strategic participation among the Arab countries and Turkey to achieve the joint interests of both sides. The statement also noted Ankara's desire to maintain good relations with Syria.

The Turkish statement newly confirmed Turkey's full support for the initiative made by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak for convening an international conference to combat terrorism.