Quds, May 1, SPA -- Israel and Turkey agreed on Sunday to strengthen ties during a visit by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Turkish counterpart Erdogan agreed to establish a telephone hotline between their offices to share intelligence information "and ensure there are precise updates at the most senior level," according to Sharon. "We were very impressed by his offers and suggestions ... I intend to take full advantage of this attempt to advance diplomatic efforts in the Middle East," Sharon told reporters after his meeting with Erdogan. He said Turkey could help the Palestinian Authority build a power station in the Gaza Strip as well as assist in the construction of high-rise housing for Palestinians in Gaza after Israel evacuates the occupied coastal strip this August. "We are ready and prepared to contribute whatever is asked of us," Erdogan said.
