Turkish-Italian forum to take place in Istanbul

ANKARA (A.A) - The Eighth Turkish-Italian Forum will take place in Istanbul on November 24-25, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. A ministry statement said that the forum would bring together Turkish and Italian politicians, academicians, journalists, representatives of non-governmental organizations and opinion leaders. "The forum aims to be a ground for Turkey and Italy to perceive each other more, and boost their cooperation in common issues as well as in Turkey's European Union (EU) membership bid," the statement said. Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata will attend the forum. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Sant'Agata will make the opening remarks of the meeting. Davutoglu and Sant'Agata are expected to exchange views on bilateral relations, Turkish-Italian political, cultural and economic relations, Turkey-EU relations, and developments regarding Cyprus issue.  The forum has been held regularly since 2004.