President Gul to visit Iraq next month

President Abdullah Gul is expected to visit Iraq next month, with the exact date undisclosed until the last minute for security reasons. Turkey's Special Envoy to Iraq Murat Ozcelik and Ambassador to Iraq Derya Kanbay met this week with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih to hammer down the details of the visit. Talabani reportedly said Gul's visit is very important for ties between the two countries, adding, "Iraqis see how Turkey places great importance on Iraq." An official Turkish delegation is expected to visit Iraq ahead of Gul's visit.