George Mitchell, visiting US special envoy to the Middle East, said on Thursday that his country considered Turkey its "crucial ally" that is an important force for peace and security in the Middle East.

Mitchell made the remarks at a press conference in the Turkish capital of Ankara after a meeting with Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"As an important democratic nation with strong relations with Israel, Turkey has a unique role to play and has significant influence on our efforts to promote comprehensive peace in the Middle East," Mitchell told the reporters.

Mitchell pointed out that his visit was a sign of the Obama administration's appreciation of Turkey's continuing commitment to a comprehensive peace and to a two-state solution to the Palestine problem.

"We welcome Turkey's participation in the upcoming donors' conference in (the Egyptian Red Sea resort) Sharm El Sheikh and we look forward to its leadership, as we actively pursue that peace, beginning with a durable cease fire and with strong efforts to meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza," said Mitchell.

Mitchell stressed that it was important to look forward, and work together to build a secure and prosperous future for all of the people of the region.

The semi-official Anatolia news agency quoted Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying that a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine should not ostracize Hamas, adding such a solution ostracizing Hamas would not be realistic.

"Turkey has always pushed Hamas to contribute to peace after it won elections in Palestine and there has been significant changes in Hamas after these suggestions," said Erdogan.

He added that "I told Hamas to recognize 1993 Oslo peace negotiations because continuity is of vital importance in state policies. We have urged Hamas to take into account that continuity."