Thursday, 19 February 2009MANAMA - Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan who is visiting Bahrain met Thursday with Bahrain's Premier Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa and Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmad al-Khalifa.
Babacan and Ahmad al-Khalifa held a press conference after their meeting.
Babacan said Turkey had perfect relations with Bahrain and briefed reporters about topics discussed during the meeting.
Commenting on Turkey's position on Palestine, Babacan said Gaza was just like an open air prison. He said this was a violation of basic human rights, noting that people of Gaza should not be punished.
Babacan said, all related parties should work actively to reach a long lasting reconciliation and truce between Hamas and Israel, adding that Turkey was ready to do everything it can.
Answering a question on Iraq, Babacan said they were pleased with the way local elections were conducted. He said local elections took place in a relatively calm atmosphere, noting that this was a good step towards democracy.
"We will be happy to see our neighbour Iraq as a fully democratic, independent state with its own security forces," said Babacan.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Ahmad al-Khalifa praised Turkey's role in efforts to bring peace to the the Middle East.
Later, Babacan met Premier Salman al-Khalifa. Salman al-Khalifa expressed his appreciation for Erdogan's attitude in Davos.
|
Thursday, 19 February 2009
AA
|
|
