ANKARA

Turkiye's president said Wednesday he attaches "great importance" to an upcoming visit by ​​​​​​​El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to Ankara.

"Have a good trip," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, replying to a tweet by Bukele regarding his visit to Turkiye.

"As Turkiye, we will be very pleased to host you. We attach great importance to your visit, which we believe will strengthen our relations with El Salvador," Erdogan added.

Bukele's first trip abroad this year will be to Turkiye on Thursday.

Earlier, Bukele said on Twitter: “This Thursday, on a State Visit, I’ll hold a meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan (@RTErdogan), President of Turkey.”

Bukele is expected to “strengthen relations ... and seek cooperation and investment opportunities,” El Salvador's government said in a statement.

El Salvador has an embassy in Ankara, while Turkiye has been considering a mutual move in the Central American country.

Bukele will be joined by first lady Gabriela de Bukele and his daughter.​​​​​​​

*Writing by Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​