Turkish president arrives in Rome for Türkiye-Italy intergovernmental summit

ANKARA / ISTANBUL / ROME

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Rome on Tuesday to attend the 4th Intergovernmental Summit between Türkiye and Italy, at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Erdogan was welcomed by Meloni at a ceremony at the Villa Pamphili residence in Rome.

After a ceremonial guard salute, the two leaders shook hands and posed for photographers.

Following the introduction of the delegations, Erdogan and Meloni had a one-on-one meeting.

The summit is expected to focus on steps to enhance cooperation between Türkiye and Italy, along with discussions of current regional and global issues.

Several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening the legal framework of relations are also set to be signed, and a business forum with participation from both countries' business communities is planned.

Accompanying Erdogan are a host of top Turkish officials and advisors, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, National Intelligence Organization head Ibrahim Kalin, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Chief Advisor to the President on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic, and Defense Industry Agency head Haluk Gorgun.