Bush, Erdogan discuss EU-Turkey talks, Iraq

WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed Ankara's talks on joining the European Union and the situation in Iraq, the White House said.
"The president congratulated Prime Minister Erdogan on the European Council's December 17 decision that the European Union would begin accession talks with Turkey on October 3, 2005," said spokesman Scott McClellan.
"The leaders agreed that the EU's decision should help strengthen Turkey's relations with both Europe and the United States," the spokesman told reporters.
"The two leaders also discussed the need to increase security cooperation among the United States, Turkey and Iraq," he said.
"The president and Prime Minister Erdogan talked about the importance of moving forward on Iraqi elections in January as well," McClellan said.

12/21/2004 18:54 GMT - AFP