Parliament Speaker Paulauskas Of Lithuania Visits Istanbul Governor Guler

Parliament Speaker Arturas Paulauskas of Lithuania, who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey as the guest of Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, and the accompanying delegation paid a visit to Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler. Speaking at the meeting, Paulauskas noted that there had been very positive political relations between Turkey and Lithuania, stressing that they wanted to further improve economic and commercial relations between the two countries. Recalling that Lithuania would become member of both the European Union (EU) and NATO this year, Paulauskas said that Lithuanian memberships would accelerate bilateral relations between Turkey and Lithuania. Meanwhile, upon a question of the delegation about security measures to be taken prior to NATO Summit to be held in Istanbul in June, Guler said, ''we have taken necessary measures. Istanbul is among the most important congress and tourism centers of the world. We expect nearly 4 thousand delegates and more than 3 thousand journalists to attend NATO Summit. We have carried out a comprehensive work to this end. Istanbul is one of the most secure cities in the world. The bombings on November 15 and 20, 2004 were exceptional.'' Paulauskas and the accompanying delegation will visit historical and touristic places in Istanbul.