By Idris Okuducu
ERBIL, Iraq (AA) – Turkish Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz arrived in Erbil, the capital of Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq, Wednesday to enhance economic ties.
Addressing a press conference after meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and other officials, Yilmaz said the meeting was aimed at activating development deals that both sides had agreed to between 2012 and 2013.
About resolving the regional government’s economic woes, Yilmaz said: “This region’s economy needs to be diversified. Trade and mutual investments between us need to be executed. In this context, not only the public sector but also the private sector should be involved more.”
He also referred to Turkey’s experience in handling its economic woes in 2001 and how the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party then made several important reforms to overcome the crisis after it came to power in 2002.
“We are ready to share our reform experience with our brothers here,” he said.
Yilmaz on Thursday will participate in an economic forum organized by the Middle East Research Institute.
