ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Saturday that the relations between Turkey and Arab countries were now placed in an institutional framework.
The First Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum ended in Istanbul on Saturday.
Speaking at the closure of the meeting, Babacan said that the participating countries agreed to release a joint declaration which would cover regional and international issues.
"As you know, PKK's recent terrorist attack against our country has been condemned by Arab countries. The stance of Arab League and the member countries regarding the cruel terrorist attacks was expressed in the joint declaration as well," Babacan said.
Babacan also said that Turkey's foreign policy was mainly based on establishing peace and stability in its region.
"In this context, we aim to contribute to the development of security, stability and prosperity both in our region and in a wider scale with our multi-dimensional, proactive, constructive and future-focused foreign policy," he said.
Babacan also said that improvement of economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Arab states was also discussed during the meeting.
According to an agreement signed by Babacan and Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa after the meeting, Arab League will open a representation office in Turkey.
"Turkey and Arab countries have decided to get together in a similar format within the next 6 months," Babacan also said.
(DO-EÖ)
(DIP)