Iraqi deputy PM holds talks in Ankara

On an official visit to Ankara yesterday, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Rafi al-Issawi was received by President Abdullah Gul at the Cankaya Presidential Palace, and met with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Later, meeting with the Turkish Contractors' Association (TMB), al-Issawi said that Iraq would see some 500 giant projects worth nearly $500 billion in the near future, and called on Turkish contractors to invest more in Iraq. He said the country's security problems have been overcome and urged Turkish contractors to take part in projects to build housing, schools, hospitals, agricultural plants, transportation networks, ports, railways and airports. Al-Issawi said Turkish contractors have become a global brand, adding that Baghdad is planning to hold a business forum to improve cooperation and discuss projects with contractors.