ANKARA, TURKEY -  Congressman Jim Saxton (NJ-3rd) met with high-level Turkish officials today, taking with him a bipartisan congressional delegation intent on helping foster a path for stability and continuing progress in Iraq.

"Saxton met with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal today, discussing cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. regarding the reconstruction of Iraq. One of the topics was the Turkish Parliament's decision this week to send troops to Iraq.

"Our delegation is from the House Armed Services Committee and we expressed our sentiment to the Turkish Government," Saxton said. "This is the first time a Muslim country is joining the coalition forces in Iraq. This is good news and a great step forward in the reconstruction of post-Saddam Iraq."

Saxton, who also met with State Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin, said that the delegation had constructive meetings about the cooperation of Turkey and the United States in the future in order to improve the situation in Iraq.

"Our countries can act together to help improve the lives of the Iraqi people," Saxton said. "The partnership could be very beneficial and constructive. I think the delegation was pleased with the recent actions of the Turkish government, and I'm very optimistic about future U.S.-Turkish cooperation."

Four other Members of Congress are in the delegation which will visit several locations throughout the region. The group will inspect the state of operations and meet with U.S. forces and foreign government officials.

Saxton is the chairman of the newly created House Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, an extension of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). Saxton is the fourth-highest ranking member of HASC, and highest-ranking Member on the trip.