Turkish-Iraqi leaders discuss cooperation and security issues

The meeting at Istanbul’s Swissotel was lasted one hour, news agencies reported. Talabani is currently in Turkey to attend the 5th World Water Forum.

Gul told Talabani that if the two countries put their minds together then they would share in happiness, but a sour ending awaited if they fail to do so, the private Dogan News Agency (DHA) reported Tuesday.

Talabani expressed his country's wish to establish highest level relations with Turkey. "We see Turkey as our second motherland. Every Iraqi wants to see Istanbul in his/her life," Talabani was quoted as telling Gul by DHA.

The two neighboring countries had intensified their relations which have been hit by the security concerns.