By Gokhan Ergocun

ANKARA

Top Turkish and Sudanese officials expressed interest Monday in developing cooperation in several fields, including industry, technology, and food production.

"Turkey is ready to work to establish industrial zones and technology centers, develop cooperation in patenting and branding, and in the production of halal food with Sudan," said Faruk Ozlu, Turkey's science, industry and technology minister.

"Political ties should be strong to develop economic relations between the two countries," Ozlu said, visiting Sudanese Finance Minister Mohamed Osman Soliman Al-Rikabi and Trade Minister Ali Hasab Al-Rasoul, according to Ozlu's press office.

"Sudan is an agricultural country but development in the agricultural area needs science and technology," Al-Rikabi said.

Al-Rikabi said bilateral trade between the two countries should aim to reach $10 billion.

He urged Turkish businesspeople to invest in Sudan and access other African markets via Sudan.

Al-Rasoul, for his part, said that Sudan faces problems exporting its halal food products.

He added: "We need to enter the world halal food market and we need Turkey's support and guidance for this."

Last December, a business forum was held in Sudan when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the country.