Turkish president arrives in Venezuela for talks

<p>By Enes Kaplan </p> <p>CARACAS, Venezuela (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on late Sunday as part of his official tour to Latin America. </p> <p>Erdogan arrived in Caracas at 9.40 p.m. local time (0140GMT Monday).</p> <p>The president and the first lady Emine Erdogan were welcomed by Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.</p> <p>Turkey's ambassador to Caracas Sevki Mutevellioglu and Venezuela’s ambassador to Ankara Jose Bracho Reyes were also present at the Simon Bolivar International Airport to meet the them. </p> <p>Erdogan was accompanied by Turkey's Energy Minister Fatih Donmez, Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan.</p> <p>As part of his visit, Erdogan is scheduled to attend Turkey-Venezuela Business Forum along with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro. The two leaders will also hold a joint news conference after signing several deals.</p> <p>Erdogan’s visit came after he attended the G20 summit in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires on Friday and Saturday.</p> <p>The Turkish president met eight heads of state and government on the sidelines of the two-day summit.</p> <p>On Sunday, Erdogan paid a visit to Paraguay, as well.</p><br><br><br><br>