A team from the United States' secret services arrived in Istanbul on Friday to conduct a series of security checks ahead of President Barack Obama's planned two-day visit to Turkey next month. A Turkish official signaled that Obama could make an address to parliament during his visit.
Along with Turkish security personnel, the U.S. secret service agents checked Obama's route in Istanbul, his accommodation and the places he is expected to visit during his stay, the Anatolian Agency said. They also went over security measures to be taken during his stay and worked on protocol rules.
The U.S. security team had earlier followed the same procedures in the capital, Ankara.
Obama will visit Turkey on April 6 and 7. He will first hold talks in Ankara and then proceed to Istanbul to attend an annual forum of the Alliance of Civilizations on the second day of his visit.
Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan said Friday the Turkish lawmakers wanted Obama to make an address to parliament during his visit.
"We desire for Obama to speak in parliament... We can hold an extraordinary meeting for Obama in the case he comes," he was quoted by Anatolian Agency as telling reporters.
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