MALAYSIA INVITED TO REBUILD IRAQ

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been invited to rebuild war-torn
Iraq and assist in ensuring the people of Iraq enjoy a normal life again,
Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said here Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Prof Dr
Ahmet Davutoglu, Anifah said Iraq had invited not only Malaysia but also Turkey
to help rebuild the country, which was heavily bombarded by Allied forces
in the ouster of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

"We feel that maybe it is beneficial for us (Malaysia and Turkey) to work
together in this venture, creating ample business opportunites along the
way. Furthermore, both Malaysian and Turkey have a special relationship with
Iraq," he said.

The minister said both coutries would provide a working paper as soon
as possible, outlining ways to help rebuild Iraq.

On Malaysian-Turkey relations, Anifah said they had discussed steps to be
taken to expand and enhance ties in the areas of trade, education, tourism
and military.

"We also touched on some regional and international issues and have common
understanding on the issues and needs. We also spoke on possible Turkish and
Malaysian business joint ventures, and to explore opportunities in a third
country and those available in both countries," he added.

Ahmet said Malaysia and Turkey needed to do more in economic, political and
cultural aspects with more high-level contacts between leaders of the two
nations.

"We have decided to have strategic foreign work documents to be worked out
by our diplomats for the next meeting to define the main areas of cooperation
between Turkey and Malaysia," he added.
-- BERNAMA