TURKISH FM SAYS INVITED TO BSEC MEETING IN ARMENIA

Feb 18 2009
Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Wednesday that there could
be developments soon for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

In an exclusive interview with the AA, Babacan said that there is
hope for sustainable peace between Israel and Hamas.

Babacan said that he was invited to a meeting of the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation organization in Yerevan, Armenia in April and
that he has not decided on whether or not he would attend this meeting.

As part of his talks in Yemen, Babacan met with the President of
Yemen Ali Abdallah Salih, Prime Minister Ali Muhammad Mujawwar,
Speaker of Parliament Yahya Ali Erraye, and Foreign Minister Abu Bakr
Abdallah al-Qirbi.

Relations between Turkey and Yemen are excellent, Babacan said.

There are strong bonds between Turkey and Yemen, Babacan said.

"The trade volume between Turkey and Yemen is over 300 million
USD. There are already Turkish companies doing business in Yemen
and the number of Turkish businesses in Yemen must increase. This
would be possible by improving investment conditions in Yemen by the
government of Yemen," Babacan also said.