Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this morning, spoke with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had telephoned in order to congratulate him upon his discharge from hospital and to wish him both a rapid recovery and good health.  The Turkish Prime Minister said that he was concerned about Prime Minister Sharon's health and was glad that he had been discharged so quickly from hospital; he added that he was pleased to hear Prime Minister Sharon's voice, which sounded very good, and that he hoped that the Prime Minister could return to work very soon.

Prime Minister Sharon thanked his Turkish counterpart for his concern and for the get-well letter he had sent.  The Prime Minister said that he was in good health and that he would return to work after a few days rest.

Prime Minister Sharon noted that bilateral relations were excellent and added that they must continue to move forward.  The two men agreed to meet after the upcoming Israeli elections.