PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TOPTAN VISITS KOSOVO
In the Kosovar capital Pristina, Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan yesterday met with Fatmir Sejdiu, the country's president. Afterwards, Toptan told a joint press conference that Turkey's support for Kosovo's independence, territorial integrity and political stability will continue stronger than ever. For his part, Sejdiu thanked Turkey for supporting Kosovo's economic and political stability. "Turkey been unwavering in its support for Kosovo's process of independence," he added. /Turkiye/
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCH KIRILL VISITS ANKARA
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and an accompanying delegation were received yesterday by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Prime Ministry headquarters. Afterwards, Kirill and his delegation met with Religious Affairs Directorate head Ali Bardakoglu. /Sabah/
PALESTINIAN LEADER TO VISIT TURKEY NEXT WEEK
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will pay an official visit to Ankara on July 16 at the invitation of President Abdullah Gul. During his visit, the talks will focus on revivifying the Middle East peace process, with Ankara reiterating the importance of forging unity among rival Palestinian groups. Gul and Abbas will also attend a ceremony to inaugurate the new Palestinian Embassy in Ankara. /Today's Zaman/
PUTIN TO VISIT TURKEY
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is reportedly set to visit Turkey on August 6. During his meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, billion-dollar energy projects which closely concern regional and world policies will be discussed. /Sabah/
SPANISH PM ZAPATERO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR TURKEY'S EU BID
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero yesterday said that he unequivocally favors Turkey's European Union membership. At a meeting of young socialists in Madrid, Zapatero spoke about the EU term presidency, which Spain will assume next January, and reiterated his country's support for Turkey's EU bid. /Turkiye/
ISTANBUL SET TO HOST FOREIGN MINISTERS OF GULF COUNTRIES
Foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Bahrain, will come to Istanbul tomorrow to discuss investment opportunities in Turkey. In related news, the Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) will also brief Arab countries' ambassadors serving in Ankara. /Star/
PARIS MAYOR PRESENTS HONOR TO DIRECTOR CEYLAN
Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe yesterday presented the city's symbolic grand medal to famed director Nuri Bilge Ceylan. At the ceremony, Ceylan said that he believed that the current Turkey Season in France festivities would contribute to Turkish-French relations. For his part, Delanoe said that with its rich culture and civilization, Turkey is an indispensable country for Europe. /Aksam/