The Turkish and Malaysian prime ministers, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Dr Mahathir Mohamad, agreed during talks today on support for the "roadmap" for peace in the Middle East, a spokesman said.

The leaders of the two moderate Muslim states wanted to see the roadmap succeed and were concerned about the recent upsurge in violence, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar told a news conference.

Explosion of violence

Their comments came as senior US diplomat John Wolf was expected in the Middle East to begin overseeing implementation of the roadmap launched at a June 4 summit convened by President George W Bush in Aqaba, Jordan.

Prospects for peace have since been set back by an explosion of violence that has left more than 60 people dead, with Israel and the radical Palestinian group Hamas declaring all-out war on each other.

Malaysia has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, and Syed Hamid said Mahathir supports the roadmap as a means of achieving peace even though it does not satisfy fully the wishes of the Palestinians.

"If it is a way of stopping violence and bringing both parties to the negotiating table thats what we are supporting, if that's what the Palestinians want."

Three-day visit

Erdogan arrived here earlier today for a three-day official visit, accompanied by his wife, Emine, and a 200-member entourage including five ministers.

Mahathir and Erdogan also discussed bilateral and trade issues and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the energy and water sectors was signed, Syed Hamid said.

On Saturday the Turkish premier will attend a business lunch hosted by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He leaves on Sunday for a visit to Pakistan. - AFP