Tuzmen in Iraq ahead of PM Erdogan's trip

State Minister Kursad Tuzmen and an accompanying delegation yesterday went to Iraq to attend a Turkish-Iraqi Business Forum ahead of an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking at the forum, Tuzmen said that though their visit includes a limited number of businessmen, the next such trip will bring along 400-500 businessmen, just like prior to the Iraq war. "I realize things are getting better in Iraq," he added. "We hope Iraq overcomes its crisis by preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty." Stating that he believes the two countries can create a joint economic zone at their shared border, he added, "Such a zone would be a good role model for other countries." Tuzmen also met with Iraq's Oil Minister Hussein al Shahirstani, Planning Minister Ali Baban, and Trade Minister Abd al Falah al Sudani.