Turkish President Erdogan welcomes Polish leader Nawrocki in Ankara

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki with full military honors at the presidential complex in Ankara, marking the start of a high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Cavalry units escorted Nawrocki's official vehicle from the avenue to the protocol gate, where Erdogan received his counterpart at the main entrance. A military band performed the national anthems of Türkiye and Poland as both leaders took their positions at the ceremony grounds, while a 21-gun salute echoed across the complex and flags representing the 16 historic Turkish states lined the avenue.

Nawrocki addressed the Presidential Guard Regiment in Turkish during the inspection, saying: "Hello soldiers," before the two leaders introduced their respective delegations. The presidents later shook hands on the steps of the complex and posed for photographs in front of Turkish and Polish flags, according to Anadolu Agency.

High-level attendance

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran joined the ceremony alongside Chief of Staff Hasan Dogan and Presidential Secretary-General Hakki Susmaz. Chief foreign policy and security adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic, Türkiye’s ambassador to Warsaw Rauf Alp Denktas, and Ankara Governor Yakup Canbolat were also present for the arrival ceremony.

Diplomatic agenda

Following the official welcome, Erdogan and Nawrocki moved into a bilateral meeting to discuss regional cooperation and bilateral relations, with a joint press conference expected later in the day. Erdogan will host an official dinner in honor of the Polish delegation Tuesday evening, rounding out the first day of Nawrocki's visit to the Turkish capital.