The Turkish President Abdullah Gül and his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül, today travelled to Bern at the invitation of the Federal Council. President Gül is being accompanied by ministers of the Turkish government and a delegation of business representatives. Official discussions in the Bernerhof focussed on bilateral relations between the two States, particularly from an economic perspective. The discussions also addressed cooperation in international organisations and current international issues. In addition, President Gül is to meet the President of the Council of States, Erika Forster-Vannini, whose acquaintance he made during her official visit to Turkey in May of this year. The first day of the visit will be rounded off with a traditional state dinner.

On Friday, business representatives from Switzerland and Turkey will participate in a round table organised by economiesuisse before attending a forum on renewable energies hosted by the umbrella organisation, Cleantech Switzerland, which will be opened by President Gül and President Doris Leuthard. The state visit will conclude with an excursion in the canton of Zurich.

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