Turkish President to Visit Iraq for 1st Time in 12 Yrs

In addition, the preparations for the trip have been done over the past week, the Russian Arabic-language Russia Today (RT) cited Turkish local media and sources as saying. 

According to Turkish news webiste Daily Sabah, in Iraq, the Turkish president will discuss steps for counterterrorism and the Development Road project.

The local Turkish media also said that after Iraq, Erogan is set to visit the United States on May 9. According to Daily Sabah's report,  in his talks with US President Joe Biden, topics discussed will include the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets by Turkey, counterterrorism and efforts to stop Israeli attacks in Gaza, and a solution to the Palestine issue.

According to local Turkish media reports, at home, Erdogan will likely welcome Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who this week started his third term as president, shortly after a landmark visit by Erdogan to Egypt in the latest step in normalizing relations. Another guest of Erdogan in May amid Turkey's bid to normalize ties will be Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to make his long-delayed visit to Turkey in the coming months.