ANKARA - In the meetings between Turkey and the United States, the sides have reached a consensus of opinion to further develop the co-operation between the two countries in many fields, especially in Iraq, fight against terrorism and economy.
Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that the sides had decided to hold structural talks among Turkish, U.S. and Iraqi officials to remove the deficiency of dialogue between the sides about the issue of Iraq.
Under the decision, communication lines will be set up in Ankara, Washington D.C. and Baghdad to provide a direct connection among the relevant officials.
The issues of priority in future talks to be held between Turkish Embassy in Baghdad staff and the U.S. officials are announced as Habur and the second border gate.
All sides have reached consensus over opening of a second border gate between Turkey and Iraq. Sources said that number of border gates could increase in the future.
During the meetings, the U.S. sides reiterated its guarantee to Turkey that co-operation would be maintained in fight against terrorism.
U.S. officials told Turkish authorities that they would keep their promises that Washington would maintain its fight against terrorism and extend efforts to eradicate the terrorist organization PKK-KADEK.
Noting that a series of new steps had been taken to further develop economic co-operation between Turkey and the United States, sources said that the sides had agreed to revive the qualified industrial zone, adding that the issue would be taken up in detail in February.
Sources noted that Turkish firms would be able to benefit from the fund of 18.7 billion U.S. dollars allocated by the United States for Iraq.
Noting that Turkish firms won 90 percent of tenders in Afghanistan, sources said that a share of 15 percent in tenders in Iraq would bring forth an important income for Turkey.
The same sources said that an agreement was reached between the two countries over efforts to increase co-operation among small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs).
Referring to the Cyprus question, the U.S. side conveyed its views that the sides should reach a solution till May of 2004. Washington indicated that the plan of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan was the only document for the time being.
Recent developments in Georgia were also brought onto agenda of the meetings. The U.S. government asked Ankara to make an economic contribution to Georgia. The contribution is envisaged to include foodstuff, fuel and medicine.
(UK-AÖ) 09.12.2003