Caucasus, Iran, energy set to dominate Gul's visit to Azerbaijan

President Abdullah Gul is set to arrive in Baku today for an official two-day visit at the invitation of his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev. In light of the importance Ankara places on further improving relations with Turkic countries, Gul will visit the Azeri capital as part of regular high-level mutual visits between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz is accompanying Gul on his visit, during which ways of boosting trade between the two countries will be discussed in detail. Bilateral ties and a number of regional and international issues of common concern such as recent developments in the Caucasus, Iran, and energy-related matters are also expected to be discussed. As part of the visit, Gul and Aliyev will also co-chair a meeting of the Turkish-Azeri Joint Economic Commission. Among the high-level Azeri officials Gul is set to meet with during his stay are Parliament Speaker Oktay Asadov and Prime Minister Artur Rasizade. Gul will also meet with Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahsukur Pashazade, chairman of the group Muslims of the Caucasus (BMC). Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will also accompany Gul during the visit, during which the two countries will update the military aspect of a friendship and cooperation pact originally signed in 1992.