Tüzmen: Peace In The Middle East Can Be Provided By Improving Commercial Relations

ISTANBUL (CÝHAN) - Turkish State Minister Responsible for Foreign Trade Kürsad Tüzmen said on Wednesday that the improvement of relations between Turkey and Syria is very important and it will contribute to peace in the Middle East.
Speaking at a business dinner given on behalf of Syrian Prime Minister Muhammed Naci Otri who is visiting Turkey, Tüzmen said that rational relations with the Middle East must be formed.
Noting that economic relations must be improved Tüzmen said that, "The problem of regional poverty must be removed. Peace in the Middle East can be achieved by improving commercial relations and by increasing the investments in the region. We are working to improve relations with our neighboring countries."
"The economic relations of Turkey with its neighbors rose by 50 percent during the first six months of 2004 compared with same period of 2003. Trade with Syria has continued steadily. We are continuing planning for a free trade agreement and it will be signed within this year with Syria." Tüzmen said.