ANKARA - Prime Minister Abdullah Gul received on Friday newly appointed Iraqi Ambassador to Turkey Talip Abid Saleh.
The meeting in the Prime Ministry lasted nearly fifty minutes.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Saleh said that he had paid a visit of courtesy to the Prime Minister.
Noting that they had discussed relations between Turkey and Iraq and how could those relations be further improved, Saleh said, ''Iraq has attributed great importance to development of its relations with its neighbor and sister Turkey in every field in a way to contribute to both countries. Development of bilateral relations will not only contribute to interests of our two countries but also be an important factor of stability and security.''
Stating that he had conveyed Iraq's pleasure with Turkey's initiatives that aimed to seek ways to solve the issue peacefully, Saleh said, ''we will maintain our support also in coming period regarding these efforts. Besides, Iraq expends efforts and offers facilities necessary for solution of the issue through peaceful ways. Iraq also continues to cooperate with the weapon inspection committee members and it will expend efforts for doing what is necessary.''
''Finding a solution to the issue through peaceful ways and without resorting to force is our target. As Iraq, we once again state here that we don't want war and we support peaceful solution'' he said.