Turkey urges enhanced ties with Iran

He commented on the Iraq issue and said Iran, Turkey and Syria have engaged in a good cooperation as for Iraq adding that the three states have already voiced support for the territorial integrity of the war-shattered Iraq.

Gul commented on the likelihood of the dispatch of the Turkish forces to Iraq but added that Ankara would send troops to the country only when the security and peace in the states neighboring Iraq are guaranteed.

He said Turkey would make the necessary coordination with Iraq’s neighbors and the European Union before sending troop to the country.

Washington has to give necessary guarantee that it would try to keep the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq and in that case Turkey would dispatch troops to Iraq.

While giving further comments on the Turkish priorities and policies as for the regional issue, Gul said cooperation with Iran is among top priorities of Turkey’s regional policy.

He voiced his country’s concern over possible violation of Iraq’s territorial integrity and said the Iraqi people cannot be happy with their country’s occupation.

Gul said deterioration of the current situation in Iraq would have negative effects on the security of the region.

He also expressed satisfaction over Iran’s attempts to fight seriously against terrorism.