ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul returned to Turkey on Sunday after attending a meeting of the Arab League, at ministerial level in Cairo.
Speaking to reporters at Ankara`s Esenboga Airport, Gul pointed to the importance of this meeting of Arab League, and noted that Iraq and Palestinian problems were discussed at the meeting.
Gul said in the speech delivered at the meeting he has underscored that the Middle East was passing through a very critical period and that all parties should produce a joint solution to the problems.
"I have also emphasized that the all the parties should assume a compromising attitude," Gul noted.
Turkish FM Gul said Arab League has decided to support Turkey`s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Gul said he also attended Ministers meeting of the Arab League Iraq Committee and explained Turkey`s views on Iraq.
"I have stated that Turkey feels sorrow over the current situation in Iraq and noted we all should assist them. I have shared with my counterparts what we should do for this. I have underlined that a compromising attitude was needed in order not to meet another problem regarding Kirkuk," Gul said.
Pointing out that all the participants attached importance to Iraq`s territorial integrity and preservation of its political unity, Gul said the meetings aimed at assisting Iraq.
-GUL`S MEETINGS IN CAIRO-
Gul said he met Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari in Cairo, "I had the opportunity to explain him Turkey`s views on Iraq," he added.
Recalling that the meeting of countries neighboring Iraq will be held, Gul said the first meeting would be in Baghdad, and noted that private representatives would attend this meeting.
"Preparations pertaining to the meeting in Baghdad were reviewed during my meeting with Zebari," Gul indicated.
Gul said all issues related to Iraq were discussed during his meeting with Zebari, and added that Turkey has always been in dialogue with Iraq.
Gul said he also had the opportunity to meet his Egyptian, Lebanese and Qatari counterparts as well as Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.
-TURKISH-ARAB FORUM-
Gul said relations between Turkey and Arab League member countries improved, recalling that, "a decision had been made on September 2006 to establish Turkish-Arab forum between Turkey and Arab League. The forum aims at carrying out works to boost political, cultural and economic relations."