Preparations for hosting the International Economic Conference on Sudan in Istanbul next month are at an advanced stage, Turkey''s ambassador to Sudan Erdogan Kok said following a meeting held here with Sudan''s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mansour Al Agab. Many countries and international and regional organizations have welcomed the conference and promised to take part in it, said the Turkish diplomat. A business and investment forum will be held on the sideline of the conference in collaboration with the economic and investment departments in the two countries, he added. The joint Sudanese – Turkish committee on political consultations and the joint committee on economic cooperation will be held shortly, he said. For his part, the Sudanese Minister said the conference will address the issues of eradication of poverty through and elaborate executive programs.