ANKARA - Turkey sees Macedonia as a country that has an important role in preserving peace, stability and welfare in the Balkans, said Turkish FM Abdullah Gul.
Before flying to Macedonia for a 24-hour working trip, Gul underlined close relations and cooperation between Turkey and Macedonia, and recalled that Turkey was one of the first countries that recognized Macedonia with its constitutional name, i.e. the Republic of Macedonia.
Gul stated that Turkey has always supported Macedonia`s efforts to integrate with Euro- Atlantic organizations.
"I will have the opportunity to further enhance our relations, particularly economic relations, and cooperation during my visit," he commented.
Gul said that he wants to get information about the problems Turkish citizens living in this country are facing, particularly in areas such as education and employment.
"I will once more express our decisiveness to open a Turkish culture center in Skopje, and hope to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the training centers of Turkish and Macedonian foreign ministries. We will also sign a cooperation protocol on environment," he pointed out.
Gul added, "I will also exchange views about recent developments in the Balkans, particularly Kosovo, and other regional and international topics concerning the two countries."
-IRAQ-
On the other hand, Gul said that the international community, particularly Iraq`s neighbors, should support and care about this country, and noted that preparations are under way for an Istanbul meeting regarding Iraq.
Gul stated that Iraq is important for not only the Iraqis but also for its neighbors. "Any fire in this country deeply affects all of us," he commented.