What is the meaning of exploit in the following sentence?

[sky753]

Hello Everyone,

The following sentences are taken from Yahoo Online today, reporting the rift between two main political factions in Iraq. I can't get the exact meaning of exploit in the following sententecs . Can you please explain?


His comments were made ahead of a new round of talks between U.S. and Iranian officials here over ways to promote stability in Iraq and exploit the sharp downturn in violence since the U.S. sent 30,000 reinforcements early this year.

Thanks and Best Regards

Sky

[Naamplao]

Hello Everyone,

The following sentences are taken from Yahoo Online today, reporting the rift between two main political factions in Iraq. I can't get the exact meaning of exploit in the following sententecs . Can you please explain?


His comments were made ahead of a new round of talks between U.S. and Iranian officials here over ways to promote stability in Iraq and exploit the sharp downturn in violence since the U.S. sent 30,000 reinforcements early this year.

Thanks and Best Regards

Sky

"Exploit" in this context means "take advantage of"