Turks welcome Erdogan in French capital

By Ilkay Guder

PARIS (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received a warm welcome by a group of Turks in French capital on Saturday.

Erdogan arrived in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the Armistice Day commemorations.

Turkish leader chatted with the Turkish expats in front of the hotel where he is going to stay during the official visit on Nov. 10-11.

They carried French and Turkish flags and placards welcoming the Turkish president.

“We have come to show entire Europe how much we love him [Erdogan],” said one of the citizens in the crowd.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin along with other government officials also accompanied Erdogan.

During his visit, Erdogan is expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, particularly with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.

Nov. 11 Armistice Day marks the 1918 end of World War between the Allies and their opponent, Germany, on land, sea, and air.

This year’s ceremonies -- to be hosted by Macron in Paris -- will also see the attendance of nearly 100 world leaders, including U.S. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.