Toptan continues China visit

Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan, on an official visit to China, yesterday met with Ismail Tiliwaldi, the deputy chair of the Chinese National Public Council Permanent Committee. Afterwards, Tiliwaldi said that Toptan's visit would help strengthen bilateral relations. Toptan and his accompanying delegation then visit the Great Wall of China and proceeded to Xian. A two-day visit to Turkey by EU Commission head Jose Manuel Durao Barroso will begin tomorrow. Barroso is set to hold talks with top officials first in Ankara and then is expected to proceed to Istanbul. Barroso, accompanied by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, will also address Parliament. In related news, speaking to reporters yesterday, Barroso said that he was astonished by the case seeking the closure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Stressing that he respects Turkey's history and culture, Barroso said that he didn't intend to lecture Turkish officials, adding that during his talks, the country's EU membership process would be reviewed.