Turkey's top Muslim leader today told Pope Benedict XVI there was too much "Islamophobia" in the world.
Beginning a delicate four-day trip under heavy security to the predominantly Muslim country, Pope Benedict quickly set to work trying to soothe still simmering rows.
Speaking to reporters on his plane, the Pontiff said the main purpose of his trip was to foster peace and better understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Addressing Turkey's President Ahmet Necdet Sezer later, he expressed his "particular esteem" for Muslims and said he wanted to promote "dialogue as a sincere exchange between friends".
Benedict's comments on the first day of his trip appeared to go a long way towards making up for a speech in Germany in September where he quoted a Byzantine emperor who said Islam was violent and irrational. The speech infuriated Muslims worldwide.
In a public address to the Pope, Turkey's Religious Affairs Director, Ali Bardakoglu, made it clear that the incident was forgiven but not forgotten.
Mr Bardakoglu spoke out against growing "Islamophobia, which expresses the mentality that the religion of Islam is containing and encouraging violence".
In his speech, Benedict said Christians and Muslims must continue an open dialogue because they believe in the same God and agree on the meaning and purpose of life.
The atmosphere seemed cool at the meeting between Benedict and Mr Bardakoglu but Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the Muslim cleric's speech was "thorough, positive and respectful, never polemical".
Earlier, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told reporters that in a private meeting at the airport, Benedict had told him he backed Turkey's bid to join the European Union.
"He said 'we are not political but we wish for Turkey to join the EU'," Mr Erdogan told journalists.
"The most important message the Pope gave was towards Islam, he reiterated his view of Islam as peaceful and affectionate."
PA