Iraqi Interim President Ghazi al-Yawar is to visit Turkey next week to discuss security issues following abductions and killings of Turkish drivers in Iraq, a minister said on Monday. Turkey is also keen to develop its economic ties and trade with Iraq despite the attacks, in which at least two Turkish drivers were taken hostage and killed. Several Turkish companies have pulled out of Iraq over the past few weeks. "We are trying to take all the measures necessary to secure the safety of Turkish citizens in Iraq," Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said after a weekly cabinet meeting. The Iraqi interim president is set to visit Ankara on August 16-17, Turkish foreign ministry sources said. The government estimates exports to Iraq will reach up to $1.8 billion in 2004. Exports through the end of July amounted to $1.06 billion, the foreign trade minister said last week.
