Ankara hosts trilateral summit with Afghanistan, Pakistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday visited Turkey at the invitation of President Abdullah Gul to attend a trilateral summit of the three countries. The two leaders were greeted by Gul at the Cankaya Palace, after which they held bilateral talks, with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also in attendance. Gul also hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting leaders. Speaking to a joint press conference later, Gul said that regional countries know best the problems facing them, and added, "Regional countries should make necessary preparations so countries outside the region can help them solve their problems." Gul also reiterated the importance of political, military and intelligence cooperation and coordination between the countries. Gul also said he would convey the two leaders' views to US President Barack Obama during his visit to Turkey next week.