Queen Elizabeth II of Britain welcomes Turkish president

LONDON (A.A) - Queen Elizabeth II of Britain formally welcomed Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his spouse Hayrunnisa Gul in London on Tuesday. The welcoming ceremony took place near Buckingham Palace. Turkish Deputy Premier Ali Babacan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are accompanying Gul during his visit. It has been the first visit in presidential level from Turkey to Britain in 23 years. Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit to Turkey in 2008. Britain accepts maximum two state visits in a year. This year's first visit was paid by U.S. President Barack Obama. Later in the day, Gul will meet British Prime Minister David Cameron and receive Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. He will attend a dinner to be hosted by Queen at Buckingham Palace.