Turkish PM heads for U.S. to enhance bilateral ties

ISTANBUL, Dec. 6 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Sunday started a visit to the United States upon an invitation by U.S. President Barack Obama.

Erdogan spoke to reporters prior to his departure at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport that his current visit to the United States would strengthen relations between the two countries and diversify the cooperation by developing existing relations.

Erdogan's visit came after Obama announced Tuesday that he is sending 30,000 more U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan. Washington wants allies including Turkey to follow suit, but Turkey opposes sending any combat troops to Afghanistan, with Turkish President Abdullah Gul clearly indicating Turkey does not want to be the party involved in conflict in Afghanistan.

The two leaders will discuss a wide range of issues in Washington on Monday, and the most challenging of all will be Turkey's close ties with Iran and U.S. request for more troops to Afghanistan.

"Mr. Obama and I will have a private meeting and will have a working meal together. We (the Turkish delegation) plan to meet with several members of the U.S. Congress following our meeting with President Obama," the Turkish prime minister said.