President Gul to visit Russia

President Abdullah Gul will visit Russia on Dec. 26-28 and meet with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev. Gul will also meet with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Federation Council Speaker Sergei Mironov, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. During their talks, issues such as relations between the two countries and recent developments in the Caucasus will be discussed. Gul is expected to proceed to Kazan, Tatarstan on the last day of his visit and meet with his Tatar counterpart Mintimer Shaimiev. In related news, on Jan. 5-8 Gul will make his first official visit as president to Israel and Palestine.