5th World Water Forum

On Monday March 16, President Abdullah Gül attended the opening session and Summit meeting of Heads of States and Governments with limited attendance on the occasion of the 5th World Water Forum, the most prestigious and comprehensive international gathering on water held in Istanbul.

The most unusual feature of the Forum was the holding of the Summit meeting with the participation of heads of states and governments.  The main purpose of the Summit is to increase the visibility of the Forum, and reinforce at the highest level the political importance and priority attached to water issues, which concern the common future of humanity.

The main theme of the 5th World Water Forum, held between March 16 and 22 in İstanbul, was "Bridging Divides for Water" and it was attended by heads of state and government, ministers, members of parliament, about 1,500 reporters, local administrators, businessmen, scholars, and representatives, totalling over 23,000 participants from 192 countries.

The Forum also presented opportunities for bilateral talks between President Gül and visiting heads of state.  Thus, Mr. Gül had bilateral talks with Tajik President Emomalii Rahmon and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and the Prince of Monaco, Albert II.  Gül also received the former Japanese Prime Minister and Prime Minister's special envoy Yoshiro Mori, Tuvalu Prime Minister Apisai Lelemia, and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

On Saturday, March 14, Mr. Gül attended the Turkcell Super League match between Beşiktaş and Gençlerbirliği in İnönü Stadium in İstanbul.  On Sunday, March 15, he paid a visit to the Panorama 1453 History Museum, where he was briefed about items on display.