BAGIS ACCOMPANIED PRESIDENT GUL DURING HIS VISIT IN FRANCE

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis accompanied Abdullah Gul, the President of the Republic of Turkey, during his visit in France. A delegation comprising Minister for EU Affairs Bagis, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and State Minister Hayati Yazicioglu accompanied President Gul who went to Paris at the invitation of President Nicolas Sarkozy on the occasion of Turkish Season.

Gul indicated that various economic, commercial and social activities, along with activities which reflect Turkish culture and art, were to be held in many important cities in France between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010 and stated that these were the most comprehensive activities held abroad by Turkey through the history of the Republic.

President Gul, within the framework of his contacts in France, first met French Prime Minister François Fillon at Prime Ministry Residence for a working lunch also attended by Minister Bagis and Pierre Lellouche, Minister of France in charge of European Affairs.

Following the meeting during which matters such as the negotiations between Turkey and the European Union, Turkish-French relations, commercial relations and struggle against terrorism were discussed, President Gul attended a dinner held in his honor by Gerard Larcher, the Senate Speaker.

Having attended the opening of the exhibition "From Byzantium to Istanbul: the Port of Two Continents" hosted at Grand Palais, a leading art center in Paris within the scope of "Turkish Season" events together with President Nicolas Sarkozy, President Gul met President Sarkozy for a working diner. During the dinner attended by Minister Bagis, Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner and Pierre Lelouche, Minister in charge of European Affairs matter such as the bilateral relations between two countries and possibilities of cooperation, Turkey's accession process and regional issues and the Turkish Season events held in France were discussed.

President Gul also made an inaugural speech at the UNESCO 35th Plenary Session Ministers Forum as the invitee of UNESCO General Director and special guest.

Source: AA