On March 14, 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdogan became Turkey’s prime minister, heading the country’s 59th government as the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Adana agreement, signed by Turkey and Syria on Oct. 20, 1998, was the most critical issue on the agenda during the meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 23.

This week, Italy hosted a conference aimed at helping war-torn Libya to establish peace and stability. Turkey, which is set to play a greater role in Middle East politics, was invited to the conference, its delegation comprising senior officials and headed by Vice President Fuat Oktay.