Turkish President Gül set to visit Italy

ANKARA

During the visit the President Gül will comprehensively discuss bilateral relations including political and economic, regional and international matters. AA Photo

President Gül will pay an official visit to Italy from Jan. 28 to 31, on the invitation of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, with Turkey’s process of EU membership at the top of the agenda.

The visit will be of particular significance as Italy is due to assume the rotating presidency of the EU for its 6-month turn in the second half of 2014.

During his visit the president will comprehensively discuss bilateral relations including political and economic, regional and international matters, according to a written statement released by the president’s press office.

The president will travel to both Rome and Florence, and will make an inaugural speech at the Turkish-Italian Business Forum, also participating in the opening ceremony of the Yunus Emre Turkish Culture Center in Rome, an organization offering cultural and social programs on Turkey.

Gül’s visit will be a return visit, following Napolitano’s visit to Turkey between Nov. 16 and 19, 2009.