Distinguished Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

                I would like to begin my remarks by extending our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Kuwait for their generous hospitality and this successful organization.

                This is the third Expanded Neighboring Countries meeting held at a time when our neighbor Iraq is unfortunately still passing through difficult times. Our gathering in Kuwait is taking place at another critical juncture for Iraq.

                As being the initiator of the Iraq’s Neighboring Countries process, we take a special pride in observing the respected and highly representative presence of the international community today in Kuwait. This gathering does not only verify our strong commitment to find peaceful solutions to the difficult problems in Iraq, but also demonstrates the strong will of the international community to help the Iraqi authorities and people of Iraq in their efforts of overcoming formidable challenges in re-building Iraq. Our resolve in contributing to our neighbor in all its endeavors is firm and remains unchanged.

Neighboring Countries process fulfills an important task and fills a gap in this regard. It is important for the countries of Middle East to own their problems; discuss possible solutions among themselves and help their neighbors through peaceful and political means.

Political reconciliation continues to be the main solution for the ongoing problems in Iraq. International community should focus its attention on the political accommodation efforts. Neighboring Countries process may well be instrumental in bringing main Iraqi political actors together under the principles enshrined in this process.

Territorial integrity, national unity, peaceful political resolution of disputes and creation of democratic, pluralistic, strong, united Iraq, free of terrorist activity which targets Iraq and emanates from it are the vital components of this acquis. Turkey attaches importance to the preservation and strengthening of these legal priorities regarding Iraq.

                During the last year or so, we have been observing an impressive trend in the overall security situation of Iraq. Willingness of the Iraqi people to achieve security and stability is the main reason behind this hopeful progress. Together with the responsible international actors, neighboring countries of Iraq should also support the endeavors of the Iraqi people and the government.

This has certainly helped the Iraqi authorities to move forward with the requirements of the political and legislative process. Especially, the recent gains in the legislative field, clearly revealed the very fact that, political progress is directly linked with enhanced security and improved stability in Iraq. Compromise paves the way forward in politics.

There are still other crucial pieces of legislation expected to pass the Iraqi parliament in the months to come. These will further strengthen the state structure of new Iraq.

We are indeed concerned with the situation in Basra. We expect, however, to see the rule of law win over chaos in Basra. We have faith in the measures taken by the Government of Iraq and hope that the rule of law will be restored soon. We also expect that utmost care will be taken to avoid civilian casualties in this process. In order to reach a sustainable secure and stable environment, we should understand that, political reconciliation is the only way out of the ongoing ordeal in Iraq. Otherwise, Iraq may lose all its gains and another important opportunity of democratization in Iraq may be missed. This is a serious concern to us. Therefore, we call upon all relevant parties in Iraq to act with calm and restraint.

Turkey regards its policy with Iraq as a multi dimensional integrated whole. This whole comprises humanitarian, social, cultural, economic, military and commercial aspects.

Turkey has been supporting the Iraqi authorities in their efforts of re-establishing the statehood in Iraq. In this framework, we have been offering training to the Iraqi officials, diplomats, security personnel and also fellowship programs to the students. We have also been providing medical assistance and treatment to the Iraqi patients in Turkish hospitals.

Trade, economy and energy are other important components of our bilateral relations with Iraq. Against a background of several difficulties, bilateral trade volume between Iraq and Turkey is above three billion US Dollars last three years in a row. Turkish investments in Iraq are above 4 billion US Dollars and Turkey remains to be the main transportation corridor for the manufactured goods going to Iraq.

                We would like the year 2008 to mark a boost in our bilateral relations with Iraq. The most ample indication of this will is the invitation extended to the President of Iraq, His Excellency Jalal Talabani by our President, His Excellency Abdullah Gül. Visit of President Talabani to Turkey on 7-8 March 2008 has been a turning point in our bilateral relations. During this visit, PKK terrorist organization was identified as a common threat and the common will to eradicate its presence from the Iraqi soil was underlined.

                We are determined to eliminate the presence of PKK terror organization from the agenda of Turkish – Iraqi bilateral relations. We are cooperating with the Iraqi authorities for this objective.

                Military cooperation between Turkey and Iraq is also initiated by the visit of our Deputy Chief of Staff to Iraq and Iraqi Deputy Chief of Staff is visiting Turkey this week. We are negotiating an agreement for military cooperation with Iraq and I hope that document will be signed during this visit.

                Energy cooperation is one of the main areas of cooperation between the two countries.

                High level political and technical coordination between Turkey and Iraq continues in all these fields.

Turkey is ready to assist and cooperate with Iraq in all fields. The level of Turkish diplomatic representation in Iraq is an open sign of this approach. Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate General in Mosul is operational and they have been very instrumental in reaching out to the Iraqi people. We will be opening our Consulate General in Basra shortly. We are also focusing on the idea of establishing a secure industrial and trade free zone in the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border. We would like to cooperate with our hosts, Kuwaiti authorities in this project. I would like to call upon all participating countries to enhance their diplomatic presence in Baghdad. Such a move will demonstrate our solidarity with the Iraqi people.

 Today we have convened here in Kuwait with the good intention of continuing to help Iraq. The statement that will come out of this meeting will demonstrate our political will, determination and resolve in this regard. We would like to see tangible results along the lines of these statements. Our goodwill should be reflected in a result-oriented fashion. Iraq, in return, should also demonstrate its willingness to become a democratic, peaceful, stable and pluralistic country, which does not become a source of threat for its neighbors, region and the international community at large.

I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing to see an Iraq which is free of conflicts, problems and terrorism.

                I would like to once again thank our hosts for this excellent organization and thank all the participants for their attention.