TOKYO - Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Tuesday that Turkey would not feel uneasy over coming of Japanese soldiers to Iraq in rebuilding and democratization process. Arinc said on the contrary, Turkey would be pleased over this.
Arinc, within the scope of official visit to Tokyo, met with party representatives in Japanese Supreme Parliament. Party representatives asked several questions to Arinc about Iraq.
New Conservative Party Supreme Parliament Group Acting Chairman Sinai Izumi recalled that a draft was under discussion regarded with sending Japanese forces to Iraq, and asked how Turkey would consider this, Arinc said they were closely interested in this issue as Iraq was a neighboring country of Turkey. Arinc said, ''Turkey will not feel uneasy over coming of Japanese soldiers to Iraq in rebuilding and democratization process. Moslem people of the Middle East respect Japan. To this end, I believe that Japan would be successful in preservation of peace in Iraq.''
Trade relations between Turkey and Japan were also discussed at the meeting.
Arinc said there were close relations between the two countries, stating that there was no problem in political relations. He said both countries covered peaceful policies, yet stated that economic relations between the two countries were not in the desired level.
Stressing that commercial relations between the two countries should be increased, Arinc said Turkey sold less products although it purchased much from Japan.
Pointing out the existence of supreme technology and finance power of Japan, Arinc said Turkey was particularly successful in construction services.
Arinc said Turkey was located at a point where all the civilizations intersected, stressing that Turkey hosted a rich cultural heritage.
(AY) 03.06.2003