ANKARA - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani arrived in Turkey for a two-day working visit on Friday upon an invitation from Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
Tight security measures were taken during Talabani`s arrival at Ankara`s Esenboga International Airport.
Talabani is accompanied by Iraqi Finance Minister Baqir Jabir Al-Zubaydi, Oil Minister Hessian Al-Shahristany, Water Resources Minister Abdullatif Rashid Latif, National Security Minister Shirwan Al-Waily and Industry Minister Fawzi Al-Hariri.
Talabani`s schedule will start by visiting Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of Modern Turkish Republic.
Talabani is expected to meet Turkish President Abdullah Gul after visiting Anitkabir.
The two presidents are expected to give a joint press conference after the meeting, and Gul is expected to host dinner in honor of Talabani.
On the second day of the visit, Talabani will meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Talabani is also expected to attend Turkish-Iraqi Business Council before departing from Turkey in the evening.
Fight against terrorist organization PKK, Kirkuk as well as cooperation opportunities in oil and other areas are expected to be discussed during the talks.
Iraqi ministers in Talabani`s delegation are expected to meet their Turkish counterparts.
According to sources in Ankara, Talabani`s visit has a symbolic meaning and at the same time is considered as a start to a new period in relations between Turkey and Iraq.
(AY)