ANKARA - State Minister Ali Babacan said on Wednesday that cooperation and solidarity of Turkey and the United States, especially in the field of economy, had played an efficient role in development of two countries, settlement of peace and tranquility and regional stability.
Babacan received new U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman.
A statement released following the meeting said that the meeting was held in a sincere atmosphere and stressed that Babacan and Edelman exchanged views about the current bilateral situation.
The statement noted that both sides expressed will to sign an agreement on 8.5 billion U.S. dollars in loan to be provided by the U.S. Treasury in the possible shortest time.
Babacan expressed belief in the meeting that two countries had rooted economic relations and those relations would be further improved with contributions of the new U.S. Ambassador.
State Minister Babacan emphasized that there should be continuous dialogue between the two countries to improve economic cooperation and overcome current problems.
Babacan and Edelman took up investments of U.S. companies in Turkey while Babacan informed Edelman about legal arrangements made to rehabilitate the environment of investments and the future reforms.
State Minister Babacan pointed out that relations between Turkey and the United States were multi-dimensional and added, ''in order to make this relationship and cooperation permanent and progress in a more efficient platform, two countries should understand each other better. I believe that Mr. Edelman, who has taken over the assignment with a very busy agenda a short time ago, will contribute to further improvement of bilateral relations.''
(BRC-AÖ) 03.09.2003