Russia's Medvedev arrives in Ankara for landmark visit

Accompanied by a large group of officials and businesspeople, Russian President Dimity Medvedev yesterday arrived in Ankara for a two-day landmark official visit. Giving a warm welcome to their guests, President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa hosted a dinner for Medvedev and his wife Svetlana Medvedeva yesterday. During the high-profile visit, aimed at deepening relations with Turkey towards a multifaceted strategic partnership, Medvedev is set to hold separate talks with Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A host of cooperation agreements, including deals on energy cooperation, air traffic, maritime issues, and the mutual lifting of visa requirements, are expected to be signed during the visit. In related news, a statement from the Kremlin Press Center yesterday said energy cooperation between Turkey and Russia has seen dynamic development in recent years, adding that possible joint energy projects, including the construction of a nuclear power plant in Turkey, are promising. It said the visit's major event will be the first meeting of a new mechanism for intergovernmental consultations, the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council presided over by Medvedev and Erdogan. Turkey and Russia will also sign more than 20 documents on transportation, agriculture, energy, education, tourism and security cooperation during Medvedev's visit, it added.