ANKARA - Russian President Vladimir Putin who was earlier scheduled to start an official visit to Turkey on Thursday cancelled his visit. His visit was considered very important concerning relations between the two countries.
Turkey was preparing to host the first Russian president paying a state visit to the country after 32 years.
Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Nikolay Podgorniy's was the highest level visit from Russia to Turkey in 1972.
Putin's visit was very important since it coincided with a period when Turkish-Russian bilateral and commercial relations have been further progressing and there have been very important developments in international issues.
It was earlier planned that relations between Turkey and the Russian Federation, significant developments in Caucasus and Central Asia republics and energy issue would be discussed during Putin's visit to Turkey.
Putin was earlier scheduled to arrive in Ankara this evening and meet Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer over a dinner.
Turkey and Russia were also planned to sign important agreements during Putin's visit.
Russian President was scheduled to receive Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Putin and Erdogan would fly to western province of Izmir. Putin was expected to meet Turkish and Russian businessmen in Izmir.
Vladimir Putin was also scheduled to proceed from Izmir to Greece for a trip to Monastery of Holy Mount Athos. Putin had wanted to visit the Holy Mount Athos in 1991, but he could not visit the monastery due to poor weather conditions.
The president was also planned to visit Turkey without his spouse, since women are not allowed on the Holy Mount, according to an ancient rule which Athonian monks introduced in 422 A.D. and which is strictly observed to this day.
(EÖ-ULG) 02.09.2004