Ankara, (SANA)-Relations with Syria are on the track heading for highest levels, said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Appearing at a meeting with Syrian journalists and media, including SANA on Wednesday in Ankara, Erdogan said "Syrian-Turkish relations have stepped up remarkably on all levels and they are on the track heading for highest levels."

He added "Syria and Turkey share a strong political will to have best relations. However, bilateral relations should not stop there; they must further expand to have regional and international dimensions."

Erdogan expressed hope that relations will be given a greater push by his upcoming visit to Syria scheduled on December 22.

Syrian-Turkish Relations at a significant turning point
In his comments on economic cooperation with Syria, the Turkish premier said "Syria is an important window for Turkey to the Arab world and Turkey is Syria's window to Europe."

He went on saying "Syrian and Turkish people have lots in common to build on towards comprehensive solutions to all potential obstacles," pointing out to the joint steps that have recently established high-level strategic cooperation council.

"Syrian-Turkish relations are at a significant turning point in terms of cooperation in economy," Erdogan told reporters.

He made clear that the recently signed agreement on ending entry visa requirements, which was named 'Shamgen' after the Schengen Agreement signed between European countries, helped push forward those relations.

Erdogan assured that railway trips between Aleppo and Gaziantep will be inaugurated during his forthcoming visit to Syria, vowing that Turkey will soon be providing Syria with natural gas to further boost cooperation in the field of energy.

Turkey ready for peace talks
Asked about mediation in Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations, Erdogan told journalists "At the fifth session of the negotiations, there were only few things left and the final touches were to be put," hinting that Israel's latest offensive on Gaza and its use of internationally banned weapons brought negotiations to a halt.

"Peace negotiations need a strong will from all parties, which was clearly expressed by President al-Assad. If Israel wants Turkey to go on with mediation, we are ready to go for it," he added.

Concerning his latest visit to Washington, Erdogan pointed out that the US President wants Turkey to play a role in achieving peace in the region, given its good relationship with Syria.

"Obama has a positive view towards peace, and he wants to get Turkey's support."

Erdogan said Turkey was shocked by the Israeli aggression on Gaza, calling on Israel to allow access to building materials for reconstruction activities in Gaza.

Erdogan: Obama tends to diplomacy with Iran

Commenting on what has been reported about a possible US attack on Iran, he said "Any attack on the region will have grave irredeemable consequences. We believe in dialogue and diplomacy to solve problems."

He added that in Washington he felt that Obama administration is inclined to solve issues diplomatically.

"We voiced rejection of having nuclear weapons in the region. However, countries do have a right to peaceful nuclear energy."

Islamophobia a "human crime"
Erdogan described Islamophobia as a "human crime" that should be incorporated in Warsaw Pact just like anti-Semitism.

"Islam means peace and it can not tolerate terrorism. We reject all attempts to link Islam with terrorism," he said.

Erdogan used the press meeting to call on the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Arab League and all concerned parties to present a unified front to help end Islamophobia.
Haifa Said /Idelbi

From sana.sy