DAMASCUS (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Syrian Premier Muhammad Naji Utri on Wednesday.
     Following their bilateral meeting, the delegations of two countries convened. Turkish State Ministers Mehmet Aydin, Kursad Tuzmen, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputy for Foreign Affairs and deputy leader Saban Disli, Erdogan's political Advisor Omer Celik, Erdogan's Foreign Affairs Advisor Egemen Bagis, Erdogan's Chief Advisor for Foreign Affairs Rafet Akgunay, Turkish Ambassador in Damascus Halit Cevik and other officials attended the meeting.
     Speaking at the meeting, Erdogan said, ''we will sign Trade Agreement between Turkey and Syria as Free Trade Agreement today. It is also pleasing that Syria and the EU signed partnership protocol. This agreement will contribute to development of economic relations between Turkey and Syria.''
     Meanwhile, Utri said, ''strengthening of Turkey-Syria relations is pleasing.''
     ''The instability and tense atmosphere in the region disturb not only Turkey and Syria, but also the whole world. The relations, which Turkey and Syria have developed, are very important for security and stability of the region,'' he added.
     ''We only want peace and security in the region. However, Israel confides in endless support of some forces and prevents fair and comprehensive peace,'' Utri said.
     Utri noted, ''Iraq's occupation did not bring stability and security to anybody. It neither created a more secure world nor extended freedom and democracy. There is only one way for Iraqi people to eliminate this chaos and distrust. It is to provide all levels of Iraqi people their own freedom and opportunity. For a free and united Iraq, Iraqi people should have the right to determine their own political future. Also foreign forces should be withdrawn in line with resolution 1546 of UN Security Council.''
     Utri said, ''by signing agreements with Turkey, we decided to develop cooperation process at agriculture, culture, transportation, energy, information, health, tourism, public works and settlement and irrigation areas.'' Utri invited Turkish firms to participate in development process of Syria in various areas.
     Erdogan and Utri will hold a joint news conference following the meetings between delegations and Turkey and Syria will sign ''Free Trade Agreement''.
     (GC-A֩
2004-12-22