Turkish Trade Minister Omar Polat pledged to increase the volume of trade exchange with Iraq and reduce customs duties at the border crossings between the two countries. The Turkish Minister of Trade said, during the activities of the Iraqi-Turkish Economy Forum, which began Monday afternoon in the capital, Baghdad, that "the trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey has reached a very large extent due to the efforts of the Turkish government, which is working to establish solid relations with Iraq." He added, "Since the year 2023, many meetings have begun between Iraqi delegations and President Erdogan to develop relations and strengthen meetings between the two parties, and we feel great enthusiasm between the two countries because of these meetings," noting that "Iraqi-Turkish trade relations are important and we hope that they will be at a higher level for the coming period, and that they will be "the partnership between the two countries is strong and effective to address the problems facing the signing o f agreements between Iraq and Turkey." The Turkish Minister stressed, "The two parties agree to develop the private sector and enhance investment between the two countries for the long term in the field of industry, health, energy and culture, improve foreign relations, develop education in Iraq and religious relations. We are also working to help Iraqi tourists coming to Turkey and develop trade in the agricultural sector and investment in tourism". He continued to say, "We are working to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, and we recommend that the volume of Turkish exports to Iraq increase to reach 30 million dollars during the year 2024, indicating that increasing support in the private sector. We are also working to further develop the development road project through Qatar, passing through Iraq and Turkey.' He explained, "During the next two months, we will invite the Iraqi Minister of Trade to visit Turkey, conclude larger agreements, and hold a new economic forum to st rengthen trade relations between the two countries." Source: National Iraqi News Agency