On March 10th, 2007, a one-day meeting will be held in Baghdad, gathering nine countries of the Neighboring Countries Process and five permanent members of the UNSC. The Neighboring Countries Process was initiated by Turkey in 2003.

This meeting will give an opportunity to evaluate developments in Iraq in the light of bilateral and regional dimensions. Turkey will be represented by a delegation headed by Ambassador Oğuz Çelikkol, Special Envoy of the Government of Turkey on Iraq.

At the Baghdad meeting, Turkey would like to see the expression of a common understanding on building an Iraq, which preserves its national unity and territorial integrity, guarantees its borders and contributes to the regional welfare and stability.

The meeting carries special importance since after a long time the Iraqi issue will be discussed by the concerned regional countries and the prominent members of the international community. The meeting is also important for the expression of support to the Iraqi people and its government.

Holding a higher level meeting in the coming period is also on the agenda.