ANKARA - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc left on Sunday for Germany as the guest of German Federal Parliament Speaker Wolfgang Thierse.
Speaking to reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Arinc said that they attached great importance to relations with Germany as it was a very important country in the European Union (EU).
Arinc recalled that he was the first parliament speaker to visit Germany since 11 years and noted that he would be received by President Johannes Rau of Germany and meet with Thierse.
During his visit to this country, Arinc will also meet with Berlin State Parliament Speaker Walter Momper.
On June 15, Arinc will meet with CDU/CSU Federal Parliamentary Group Chairman Angel Merkel, Union 90/Greens Federal Parliamentary Group Chairperson Krista Sager and Federal Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Volker Ruhe.
Arinc will also meet with Berlin State Prime Minister and Mayor Klaus Wowereit on June 16.
He is scheduled to meet with North Rhine Westphalia State Prime Minister Steinbruck in Germany on June 17.
Arinc is expected to return to Turkey on June 18.
(EÖ-BRC) 13.06.2004