BAGHDAD
Turkish Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek has said, "There are many reasons for relations between Iraq and Turkey to develop on every domain, because the two countries are sister, friendly and neighboring countries. That's why, they are key countries of this region."
Cicek was in Iraq to pay a formal visit and held a joint press conference with Osama Al-Nujaifi, Iraq's Parliament Speaker, after a meeting between two delegations.
The Turkish parliament speaker thanked his Iraqi counterpart who had a key role in development of relations between the two countries, also expressing his best wishes to Iraqi people and parliament.
Noting Iraq and Turkey were friendly countries, Cicek said, "Annoying and dramatic incidents occur in the geography we live. So, it is useful for both countries to convene, exchange ideas and discuss regional developments in solidarity."
Expressing parliaments also had important duties and responsibilities in development of relations, Cicek said important developments occurred in the region which irritates all of us, adding, "Terrorism is the leading problem. Turkey is always against all kind of terrorism regardless of its reason, aim and perpetrator. We accept terror acts as crimes committed against humanity."
Touching on pathetic incidents in Syria and reminding a chaos had been created and many people died, Cicek noted that this situation does not only affect Syrian people, but also Turkey and Iraq which were prominent countries among mostly affected ones. The speaker also said the two countries had many things to do in this issue.
On the other hand, Iraq's parliament speaker stated they discussed the relations of the two countries, situation in the region, extremist groups and Syria crisis during the meeting.
In addition, Al-Nujaifi said a commission would be formed to develop relations and conduct efforts on water.
Pointing out that they also discussed the agreement over Iranian nuclear weapons, the Iraqi Al-Nujaifi described the issue as important for stability of the region.
However, he said the most important issue was Syria crisis which all parties believe that it could be only resolved by mutual talks.
Cicek and his delegation then moved to office of Council of Ministers in Green Zone in order to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Here, the two officials hold a meeting closed to press.
The Turkish parliament speaker will meet with Iraqi Vice President Hudayr El Huzai.
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