Russia's Medvedev Arrived in Turkey with 4 Planes

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Turkey late afternoon on May 11 with three planes accompanying him and with high security measures undertaken.

On his first official visit to Turkey, Medvedev is expected to discuss relations in South Caucasus region and seal several energy deals. He also attended a dinner with President Abdullah Gul after arriving from Syria, and meet Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in the morning on May 12, reports Reuters.

Seeking to balance off its West-facing foreign policy, Turkey has strengthened relations with Russia and other former Soviet republics as well as fellow Muslim nations in the Middle East over past years.

Speaking ahead of Medvedev's arrival, Russian officials have said state energy companies Gazprom and Rosneft were expected to sign contracts during the visit.

About 25 agreements are expected to be signed during this visit, relating to such sphere as energy, trage, agriculture, communication and culture.

An agreement for the creation of Council set to ensure high level cooperation between these two countries is also expted to be signed during this meeting. The Council will be headed directly by the two president and will aim to design, coordinate and implement the strategic directions of cooperation between Russian and Turkey.

Another agreement refers to the vise regime. If signed the agreement will see Turkey and Russia lift the visa regime (for 30 day stay).

Russia is seeking to construct a nuclear power plant in Turkey's territory. This is another major issue on Medvedev's agenda while in Turkey.

Russia already provides 60 percent of Turkey's gas needs which has raised concerns of Turkey becoming over-dependent on Russian energy. Officials said they also hoped to agree on a deal for a Russian firm to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant.

Deals on shipping oil products from the Black Sea and ferry transport were also expected among some 25 agreements due to be signed.