AA- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The two exchanged views prior to Erdogan's scheduled visit to Israel on May 1st.
Prime Minister Sharon told Erdogan, ''I see many areas to strengthen our relations and cooperation. We believe you and Turkey will play an important role in the region, and will have important contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. Thus, we attach importance to Turkey's taking part in developments in the Middle East.'' In return, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''I will be pleased if my country contributes to peace process.''