ERDOGAN: ``WE HAVE DECIDED TO SET UP A HOT LINE CONNECTION``
JERUSALEM - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that they had decided to set up a hot line connection between Turkey and Israel.
Prime Minister Erdogan, who is currently in Israel on a state visit, met Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
The two leaders held a joint news conference following the meeting.
Erdogan said that they discussed political, commercial, economic and military relations between Turkey and Israel.
``Turkey considers anti-Semitism a crime against humanity. On numerous occasions, we expressed our opposition against racism. We are determined to fight against it,`` he said.
Referring to economic relations between Turkey and Israel, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ``the trade volume between our two countries was about 2 billion US dollars as of end-2004. We have the necessary will to increase this amount. We have signed a cooperation agreement on industrial research and development earlier in the day.``
``It is evident that we need peace for regional prosperity and stability. We are ready to assist both Israel and Palestine. We considered the step taken by Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers in Sharm el-Sheikh on February 8th a positive beginning in the peace process. Turkey is ready to fulfil any duty in this process. It is up to the Israeli and Palestinian parties to define future role of Turkey,`` he said.
Erdogan told reporters that they had decided to set up a hot line connection which is similar to other links for exchange of counter-terrorism information.
Upon a question, Erdogan said that he had invited Prime Minister Sharon to Turkey, and Prime Minister Sharon had promised to come to Turkey soon.
SHARON: ``I WILL ASSESS EXPERIENCES AND TALENTS OF TURKISH PREMIER``
``We were very impressed by Prime Minister Erdogan`s offers and suggestions. I intend to take full advantage of this attempt to advance diplomatic efforts in the Middle East,`` Sharon said.
Recalling that they had decided to set up a hot line connection between the two countries, Sharon said that Israel had such links with the United States, Britain, the EU and Russia.
Sharon highlighted importance of such a connection in updating mutual intelligence and exchange of information.
Upon a question, Prime Minister Sharon said that they would begin discussing the road map after all conditions including putting an end to all acts of terrorism were provided.
Sharon said Turkey could help the Palestinian Authority build a power station in the Gaza Strip and assist in the construction of high-rise housing for Palestinians in Gaza after Israel evacuates the occupied coastal strip this August.
Prime Minister Sharon extended Israel`s support to Turkey`s EU membership bid.
Sharon said that he would pay a visit to Turkey soon.