Turkish President Gul departs for Sweden

Turkish President Abdullah Gul departed from Ankara's Esenboga International Airport and is on his way to Sweden.

President Gul is accompanied by Mrs. Hayrunnisa Gul, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis.

Speaking at a press conference prior to his departure from the Esenboga Airport, President Gul underlined that he believed his current visit would carry Turkish-Swedish relations to new horizons as the relations already gained strong momentum in recent times.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul travelled to Sweden at an invitation by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Gul will be the first Turkish head of state to visit Sweden.

While in Stockholm, President Gul will be conferred with Sweden's Royal Order of the Seraphim, the country's highest order.

During Gul's visit, Turkey and Sweden will sign a strategic partnership document.

Sweden is a strong supporter of Turkey's EU bid.

Turkish-Swedish bilateral trade volume in 2012 was recorded as 3.3 billion USD.

Sunday, March 10, 2013