Turkish president launches three-day long visit to Portugal

LISBON

President Abullah Gül says Turkey attaches great importance to strengthening ties with Portugal. DHA photo

President Abdullah Gül is set for a three-day visit to Portugal, in which he will discuss Turkey’s EU membership, recent developments in the Mediterranean and international issues with top officials.

“We attach great importance to strengthening ties with our NATO ally Portugal,” President Gül said before his departure in Istanbul. Gül will visit the Portuguese Parliament and hold talks with Portugal’s President Anibal Cavaco Silva, Parliament Speaker Maria da Assuncao Esteves and Prime Minister Pedro Manuel Passos Coelho.

Gül said the trade volume had tripled in the last 10 years and reached $1 billion, adding that he would emphasize the issue of improving trade ties during his meetings.