SHARM EL-SHEIKH - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan met Iraqi Oil Minister Husayn al-Shahristani on Sunday in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Babacan, currently attending the World Economic Forum, continues to hold bilateral talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Diplomats said Babacan and al-Shahristani agreed to improve bilateral relations on every areas and exchanged views on high-ranking consultation mechanism that started between the prime ministers of the two parties.
Al-Shahristani said Iraq considered relations with Turkey in a strategic vision, and expressed sorrow over the attack against Turkey's Embassy in Baghdad in which a Turkish police officer was injured.
Babacan told the Iraqi minister that he wanted to see Turkish companies in Iraq's list regarding the operation of Iraq's oil beds.
Babacan, who also met World Bank President Robert Zoellick, gave information about the peace campus, industry zones, and various projects in Palestine and Israel, and asked for the support of the World Bank regarding those projects.
In his meeting with head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed el-Baradei, Middle East and nuclear activities of Iran were the topics of discussion.
Babacan said Iran should not be isolated and the problem should be solved through dialogue.
Baradey, in his part, gave information to Babacan about the developments regarding Iran and pointed to the importance of Turkey in the region as a contemporary country.
Developments in the Middle East were discussed during Babacan's meeting with EU Middle East representative March Otte. Otte said the EU wanted to establish a constructive cooperation with Turkey in the region.
Babacan said the EU should appreciate more the role of Turkey in the Middle East and expresses readiness of Turkey to open energy chapter heading.
Babacan is also expected to deliver a speech during a session titled "Fresh Strategies for Stability" later on Monday.
(AY)