Gul: "So long as we both act rationally, Turkey and Iraq have the potential to cooperate and benefit"

On the sidelines of the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul yesterday, President Abdullah Gul met with his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani and reportedly discussed security issues and ways to boost bilateral trade. "Turkey and Iraq have the potential to cooperate and benefit a great deal, as long as we both act rationally," Gul said during the meeting. Underlining the importance of ensuring security between the countries, he said, "When security has been ensured, everything will be easier." He added, "If we act rationally, we will share happiness, and will share suffering if we don't." For his part, Talabani said that he had consulted with representatives of all sectors of Iraqi society prior to the meeting. "They want to develop ties with Turkey," he added.