DAMASCUS - Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said on Friday that his country was well-intentioned and contributive in regional matters.
Gul met with President Bashar al-Asad of Syria in Damascus. Following the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference.
"Syria is Turkey's door to the Middle East. In the meantime, Turkey is a gate to Europe for Syria," Gul said during the press conference.
He said both countries displayed determination at highest level to improve their relations.
Noting that regional and international issues were high on agenda of his meeting with al-Asad, Gul said they both agreed on the importance of the territorial integrity and political unity of Iraq.
Commenting on the situation in Palestine as well, Gul said the Palestinian people had the right to establish their own state.
Upon a question on what kind of role Turkey would play in its region in the future, Gul said that Turkey desired to contribute to the solution of problems.
Replying to a question on the disunion among Palestinians, Gul said, "We cannot think of two separate Palestinian states. Unity should be provided right away. Otherwise, the Palestinian cause will get the biggest damage".
Gul commented on the economic cooperation between Turkey and Syria as well.
Noting that the two countries tried to improve border trade, Gul said both countries were currently encouraging their private sectors to cooperate.