Turkish, Italian Presidents discuss bilateral ties

Rome Feb 6 (IANS/AKI) Italy s President Sergio Mattarella and his visiting Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed bilateral relations during their meeting at the Quirinale Palace here reports said.

The talks between Mattarella and Erdogan lasted around 50 minutes according to state-run Turkish news agency Anadolu.

Mattarella received Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Quirinale Palace during his one-day visit to Rome.

After their meeting Mattarella and Erdogan lunched together at the Quirinale the palace said adding Italy s Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano was also present.

Erdogan earlier had an audience at the Vatican with Pope Francis and later met Premier Paolo Gentiloni at the prime minister s office in Rome.

Erdogan was received with full military honours at Palazzo Chigi. The Italian and Turkish national anthems were played at the welcome ceremony also attended by Alfano Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti and Economic Development Minister Calo Calenda Gentiloni s office said.

Pro-Kurdish groups meanwhile held protested Erdogan s visit and clashed with security personnel following which two people were detained.

--IANS/AKI
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