Luxembourg's royal couple pays first head-state visit to Turkey

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg are set to pay a landmark visit to Turkey, as it will mark the first ever visit at the head of state level between the two countries since they established diplomatic relations in 1947. Scheduled to arrive in the Turkish capital city of Ankara late on Nov. 18, during their visit which will last until Nov. 22, the royal couple will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, Economy and Foreign Trade Minister Etienne Schneider and Finance Minister Luc Frieden, in addition to a business delegation. Along with official meetings with President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the royal couple will visit the Middle East Technical University (ODTU) and Mineral Research & Exploration General Directorate (MTA) with the agenda of innovation and research. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa will then travel to Gaziantep on Nov. 20 to visit Syrian refugees sheltered in camps. The royal couple, Gul and Asselborn will participate at the opening ceremony of The Atlantic Council Energy and Economic Summit in Istanbul on Nov. 21. The delegation from Luxembourg will then attend a business forum.