ANKARA -- Turkey said Friday it was ideally suited for a major role in the post-war reconstruction of neighboring Iraq and was determined to win contracts there, AFP reported.

"We are the most appropriate country for both the political and physical reconstruction of Iraq," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told industrialists here. "We will take our place in the Iraq market. We are expending efforts to that purpose."

He said Turkey could be a role model for Iraq as the only Muslim democracy in the region -- a characteristic much-touted by the United States.

"I believe Turkey will have a very important role" in helping Iraq adapt to a democratic system, Erdogan said.

And he underlined Turkey's cheap facilities.

"I believe it is the best way for countries such as Britain and the United States who are experts on finance management to make use of Turkey's experience and cheap opportunities," Erdogan said.

Turkish officials have already met businessmen to discuss possible projects in Iraq's construction, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors as well as oil and natural gas.

They also agreed to look into ways to boost bilateral trade, launch direct flights to Baghdad and open a second border gate.