VIDEO - ANKARA - "Israel should respect the holy places rather than increase tensions," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday, referring to controversial Israeli works near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Erdogan said that "any action taken at the Temple Mount will stir a reaction and turmoil in the Arab world. Israel should respect all the international agreements meant for protecting the places holy to Islam in Jerusalem." Erdogan made the statement shortly before he is due to meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the Turkish capital. Hundreds protested against Olmert's visit to the country in Ankara and Istanbul Wednesday. Some demonstrators held up signs saying, "Olmert the murderer, go home." Anti-Olmert protest in Istanbul (Photo: AP) Turkey is also a member of NATO and seeks to join the European Union – two facts that might give Olmert the leverage he needs to win Turkish support in the struggle against Iran’s nuclear plan. The prime minister will consider it an achievement should Turkey pledge its support on the issue during his 36-hour trip to Ankara, particularly so if Erdogan should commit to supporting harsher sanctions against Iran. Israel’s relationship with Turkey is based on strategic and regional cooperation. Although trade between the two countries is solid and may even increase, Turkey is an Islamic country, albeit moderate, which has connections with countries hostile to Israel such as Iran and Syria. Alongside the Iranian issue, Turkey is likely to promote peace negotiations with Syria. Meanwhile, Olmert is expected to solicit the help of Erdogan in delivering the remains of Mossad agent Eli Cohen to his widow in Israel. Olmert is also expected to ask Turkey to put pressure on Syria to stop weapon smuggling to Hizbullah in accordance with UN resolution 1701. Olmert and Erdogan will also hold a joint press conference. Throughout the day, Olmert is expected to meet with other senior Turkish officials, including the president, the head of parliament, the foreign minister, and the defense minister.