By Xinhua,
Ankara : Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih expressed willingness on Thursday to improve relations with neighboring Turkey, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
“We are seeing Turkey as a strategic partner both political and economic wise, and we want to be partner with our northern neighbor,” Salih was quoted as saying at the Turkish-Arab economic forum in Istanbul.
Salih called Iraq’s neighbors to help the country build its war-torn infrastructure, saying that a number of Turkish contractors had already engaged in deals with the Iraqi government.
The economic development of Iraq would bring development for the region, he said, adding that Iraq is trying to integrate with the international economy which needs more Iraq’s resources.
Describing Turkey as “a major player” in pumping Iraqi oil to the world markets, Salih said Ceyhan port in southern Turkey was one of the main centers for Iraq’s oil exports.
Salih also urged Turkish companies to cooperate with the Iraqi government to reconstruct schools, hospitals, railway and highways.