Turkish-US conference to discuss multidimensional relations

The 29th annual conference on US-Turkish relations, co-organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), the Turkish-American Business Council (TAIK) and the American Friends of Turkey (AFOT), will start today in Washington. The three-day gathering will address aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two NATO allies with the theme "2010: Achieving Common Objectives." Among Turkish dignitaries at the conference are Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu, Defense Industry Undersecretary Murad Bayar, and Haluk Dincer, who heads both DEIK and TAIK. During the conference, the first ministerial-level meeting of the US-Turkey Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation dialogue will be held. The two NATO allies are seeking to improve bilateral commercial and economic ties to attract more direct US investment in Turkey and strengthen economic and commercial cooperation in third countries though joint projects. The meeting is expected to create a roadmap for achieving these goals. Also during the conference, Ankara and Washington will sign an agreement for cooperation in science and technology.