ANKARA - Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan will leave for Italy on Wednesday within the framework of his contacts for Turkey's European Union (EU) full membership.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Yasar Yakis, Erdogan's adviser Omer Celik, and deputies Egemen Bagis, Zeynep Karahan Uslu and Cuneyt Zapsu will accompany Erdogan during his first visit to abroad.
Representatives of some non-governmental organizations and journalists will also join the visit.
Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.
Erdogan and Berlusconi are expected to hold a press conference after their meeting.
Erdogan will also meet with representatives of Turkish community living in Italy.