Bilateral Relations Taken Up In Sezer - Khatami Meeting

TEHRAN - During the meeting of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Tuesday, relations between the two countries were taken up in various dimensions.
Presidential Chief Adviser for Foreign Affairs Sermet Atacanli talked to press about the meeting.
Noting that the meeting was very constructive and warm, Atacanli said that the two presidents stressed that the bilateral relations had a positive character stemming from the past.
President Sezer stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of security and Iranian President Khatami said he shared that view.
The two presidents agreed that the economic relations had to be improved and noted that the recent increase in commercial relations was not sufficient. President Sezer referred to the imbalance in commercial relations which was to the disadvantage of Turkey, noting that it had to be reviewed.
Iraqi issue was also taken up during the meeting. Atacanli said that ''the views of the two countries are very similar on this issue. The two presidents share the view that the independence, territorial integrity and political unity of Iraq have to be maintained.''
Upon a question asking if President Sezer brought onto agenda the issue of Iran's recognizing PKK as a terrorist organization with its new name, Atacanli said Sezer voiced that. Khatami said in his part that Turkey's security was also Iran's security and noted that they knew the importance of cooperation in security cooperation, Atacanli noted.
''Did Mr. Khatami say anything about the reason of his not visiting Turkey?'' asked journalists to Atacanli who said that ''there is no such thing, the visit has not been cancelled too. There is no determined date for the visit. If schedules of both presidents are suitable towards the end of the year, the visit can take place. No specific date was voiced before, so we can't talk about its cancellation.''
Atacanli said that the transportation of Iranian natural gas to Europe via Turkey also came to agenda of the meeting. Noting that Turkey was warm to the idea, Atacanli said that yet market survey had to be done about the issue.
Atacanli said in Sezer's meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Ahmad Badawi, the two leaders focused on economic cooperation and particularly cooperation in tourism. Badawi stated that many Malaysian people went to Hajj and they could stop by Turkey during their goings and returns.
President Sezer asked for support to Turkey's candidate of OIC Secretary General in both meetings.
(Öª) 17.02.2004