UAE calls for boost in Arab-Turkey relations

Rabat : The UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for more joint cooperation and coordination between the Arab nations and Turkey to overcome challenges posed by the global economic crisis.

During his opening statement at the Arab-Turkish Forum, Shaikh Abdullah, the head of the UAE delegation participating in the forum, pointed out the historic relations between the Arab world and Turkey.

He also highlighted the stands taken by Turkey towards issues in the Arab region, especially the Palestinian issue, and its support for decisions taken by the Arab League on situations in Libya, Syria and the Gulf initiative to solve the Yemeni crisis. Shaikh Abdullah expressed his support for Turkey's stand condemning terrorism in all its forms, as well as its stand against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

He also praised Turkey for supporting an approach of resolving disputes over nuclear dossiers through diplomatic discussions and dialogue, and an Arab Gulf region that is free of weapons of mass destruction.

Shaikh Abdullah added that the Arab world wishes to expand avenues of economic cooperation and expressed his condolences for the Turkish Government, people and families of the victims of the earthquakes that hit Van, Turkey.