Turkish Foreign Minister Gul In Lebanon

BEIRUT - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul arrived Friday in Beirut, Lebanon, to have several official meetings.
Speaking to reporters at the Beirut Airport, Gul said that he was pleased to be the first Turkish foreign minister visiting Lebanon after long years.
Gul noted that his visit would not only help to improve Turkish-Lebanese relations but also confirm once again Turkish-Arab friendship.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Jean Obeid said that Gul and Lebanese officials would exchange views on relations between the two countries, as well as on regional and international issues.
Obeid stressed that Turkey has the potential to undertake an important role in Arab and Islamic world, and noted that Turkey was like a bridge between the west and the east.
Gul is scheduled to meet Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri this evening.
(EÖ-ULG) 02.07.2004