ANKARA - Turkey is getting ready to undertake an active role in rebuilding and improvement process of Iraq.
Sources told the A.A correspondent on Wednesday that important decisions were taken during yesterday's meeting, which was held in Ankara under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the participation of representatives of public institutions and private sector, about Turkey's position and contributions in rebuilding and improvement process of Iraq.
According to decision taken at the meeting, Iraq's oil resources would be activated for the improvement process.
A consensus was reached at the meeting that contributions and opportunities of the international community especially the United States, were expected to be mobilized and that Turkey should take part in this process actively.
Also, an agreement was reached to further improve economic and commercial relations with Iraq in the coming period.
As a result, the Turkish Airlines (THY) will carry out works to start direct flights to Baghdad, and a second border gate with Iraq besides Habur Border Gate will be opened.
Efforts will be expended for purchase and transportation of humanitarian aid especially foodstuff for Iraq via Turkey, resumption of transportation to regional countries via Iraq and establishment of a direct railway to Iraq.
The entrepreneurs and investors are foreseen to accelerate studies about foreign sale to regional countries mainly on construction, iron and steel, textile, milk, meat and grains and cereals. Inclusion of Turkish entrepreneurs and investors in establishment of Iraq telecommunication system, indemnification of Central Bank and private sector from Iraq are also among the targets.
A meeting had been organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the participation of public and private sector organizations on ''Turkey's Position and Economic Opportunities in Rebuilding and Improvement of Iraq''.
A unit was formed under the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a coordinator ambassador was appointed about rebuilding and improvement of Iraq. Ambassador Ahmet Okcun was appointed as coordinator ambassador.
(UK-AY) 16.04.2003