Sana'a: Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in the Yemeni capital on Monday afternoon heading a high-profile delegation on a two-day visit described as the first-ever by a Turkish president since Turkey recognised the Republic of Yemen in 1970.
About 10 bilateral cooperation agreements are to be signed during Gul's visit, the most important of which are the cancellation of visa requirements between the two countries, and an agreement for extradition of wanted persons, according to an official statement.
Gul will open a memorial statue for Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in Yemen during the Ottoman rule. The Ottoman Islamic empire ruled Yemen from 1538-1635 and again from 1872-1918.
The 10.6-metre-high memorial was built in Al Auradhi, where the Turkish leadership was based, close to the present defence ministry. A $5 million technical and vocational institute will also be opened during the visit. The graduates of the institute, funded mainly by Turkey, are expected to meet the requirements of the labour market.
The Turkish President is also scheduled to speak on Tuesday in a Yemeni-Turkish economic forum in Sana'a which will discuss investment opportunities in Yemen.
About 100 Turkish businessmen and investors are accompanying Gul. About 200 businessmen from both sides are expected to participate in the economic forum.
