The three countries stressed the need for lifeline infrastructure projects for Iraq and other Arab countries, drawing upon Japan's experience in reconstruction and technology. They said the meeting also discussed means to promote private sector collaboration between Japan and Arab countries to rebuild Iraq's economy in particular and help Arab nations in general. Asked about the outcome of the dialogue, Dr. Al-Gosaibi said "the working group to be set up by the three countries will hold a meeting next month to evaluate and decide the need to increase aid and assistance to the war-ravaged regions especially Iraq and Palestine". Dr. Al-Gosaibi expressed the hope that "the elections in Palestine and Iraq will lead to more stability and to a certain level of normality in the Arab world". He said Arab nations are also seeking to set up a greater Arab trade zone. "A program for training medical personnel in Iraq with the help of Egypt and Japan is already under way and we looked at the possibility of expanding the program," he said, adding that some pilot projects for Iraq were also taken up for discussion. "On the economic front, the three countries discussed the subject of free trade agreement between Japan and Arab countries," said Hashimoto. --MORE1039 Local Time 0739 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/231292