UPDATE - Turkish President Erdogan welcomes Uzbek counterpart in Ankara

UPDATES WITH MEETING AT THE PRESIDENTAL COMPLEX

By Ozcan Yildirim

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday welcomed his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Ankara's Esenboga International Airport.

Erdogan was accompanied by Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, and other officials as he welcomed Mirziyoyev.

The Uzbek president inspected the guard of honor and the two leaders posed for a souvenir photo in the Grand Honor Hall.

Following the welcoming ceremony at the airport, Erdogan hosted Mirziyoyev at the Turkish Presidential Complex.

Mirziyoyev’s official vehicle was escorted to the protocol gate by 103 cavalry units in honor of the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Erdogan welcomed Mirziyoyev at the main entrance of the complex, where both leaders stood for the national anthems of the two countries, performed by a military band.

Following bilateral and delegation-level meetings, Erdogan and Mirziyoyev will attend the Fourth Meeting of the Türkiye–Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, as well as a signing ceremony for agreements.

The two leaders will later hold a joint press conference.

*Writing by Kanyshai Butun in Istanbul