Turkish PM holds pipeline talks in Turkmenistan

The Turkish Prime Minister, Mesut Yilmaz, who's in Turkmenistan, has discussed the project to build a gas pipeline to western markets with the Turkmen President, Saparmourad Niyazov.

Mr Niyazov was quoted as saying that Ashgabat hoped Ankara would take part in building the pipeline, from Turkmenistan to Europe via Iran and Turkey.

Mr Yilmaz was reported as stressing Turkey's interest in purchasing the Turkmen gas.

He is due to travel to the town of Mary later today, Saturday, to visit the country's largest electric power station and a historic mausoleum.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service