ANKARA - Foreign Minister Kastriot Islami of Albania said on Wednesday that they considered Turkey an honest strategic partner.
Islami held a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.
Referring to the bilateral relations between Turkey and Albania, Islami said that there had been ''perfect'' political relations between the two countries for years.
Highlighting importance of efforts to further improve economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Albania, Islami said that the two countries' signing a free trade agreement in the coming days would make positive contributions to economic relations.
Islami stressed that they wanted Turkey to become a full member of the European Union (EU).
He noted that Turkey had always supported Albania in education, culture and science.
Referring to the resolution about Iraq which was adopted by the United Nations Security Council yesterday, Islami highlighted importance of the United Nations' undertaking a more active role in Iraq.
Islami added that sovereignty should be handed over to Iraqi people.
(UK-AY) 09.06.2004