ISTANBUL - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan left on Thursday for Greece. Erdogan is accompanied by Turkish State Ministers Besir Atalay and Kursad Tuzmen and a delegation comprised of 160 people including businessmen and journalists. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan will pay an official visit to Greece as the guest of Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis. ERDOGAN TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENT OF DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION WITH CARAMANLIS Erdogan said that he would discuss further improvement of current dialogue and cooperation process between Turkey and Greece with Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis. Prior to his departure for Greece for an official visit, Erdogan told reporters that he and Caramanlis would also discuss initiatives to be launched in order to establish strategic partnership between the two countries. Erdogan said that he would pay a visit to Athens between May 6 and 7 upon the invitation of Caramanlis and proceed to Western Thrace on May 6. He would return to Turkey on May 6, Erdogan noted. Erdogan stated that he would be accompanied by Turkish State Ministers Besir Atalay and Kursad Tuzmen. Turkish State Minister Mehmet Aydin, who was in currently in Athens, would also join his delegation, Erdogan said. Erdogan said that he was also accompanied by a crowded delegation of businessmen and journalists. Turkish-Greek Business Council meeting would be held in Athens on May 7, Erdogan stated. Erdogan pointed out that he would meet with not only his Greek counterpart but also with Greek President and Parliament Speaker. He would also meet with leaders of main opposition party and other political parties, Erdogan said. Erdogan noted that he would also attend the meeting to be held by Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni. ''The main issue I will discuss with Caramanlis is initiatives to be launched to further improve current dialogue and cooperation process between Turkey and Greece and to establish strategic partnership. We will take up Turkey-EU (European Union) relations, the Balkans, Middle East, Black Sea Economic Cooperation and Caucasus in our meeting. We will exchange views about further improvement of economic and commercial relations with Turkish and Greek businessmen. I will visit Turkey's Consulate General in Komotini on May 8. Improvement of Turkish-Greek relations will not only serve interests of our countries and people but also contribute to regional peace, stability and cooperation,'' Erdogan added.

(BRC) 06.05.2004