Davutoglu: "Countries agreed on Istanbul action plan despite hard bargains

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said countries participating in the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) have agreed on the Istanbul Action Plan despite difficult and hard debates over the aid regime. Davutoglu told reporters yesterday that while Turkey was close to every side during the discussions, it tried to bring the least developed countries’ (LDC) interests and expectations to the forefront. Davutoglu said Turkey plans to graduate as many countries as possible from the Istanbul Action Plan and envisages nearly $3 billion in contributions through trade and investment in agriculture, health and education. Davutoglu said Turkey also plans to provide scholarships to 1,000 students from these countries and that he wants people there to see Turkey’s friendship and brotherhood.