U.S. congressman speaks to AA

WASHINGTON (A.A) - A U.S. congressman has said the United States could have a better diplomatic position in the Middle East with Turkey's assistance. Speaking to AA correspondent, Keith Ellison, one of the two Muslim members in the U.S. Congress, said that sound relations with Turkey was to the interest of the United States, stating that Turkey had close and sound ties with several countries in its region. Ellison said that he admired Turkey and attached a great importance to sound diplomatic Turkish-U.S. relations which would have a bright future. Turkish-U.S. alliance was of great importance for the Middle East, he said. Ellison said Turkey had a fast growing economy. Turkey's achievements in economy could offer a great opportunity to boost commercial relations between the two countries, he said. (Reporting by Mehmet Toroglu-Bariskan Unal)