AKIPRESS.COM - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is meeting with Turkish officials, including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the first official Iranian presidential visit to Turkey since 1996.

Rouhani's meetings in Ankara come just a week before direct talks in Geneva between Iran, the U.S, and the European Union on the Iranian nuclear program, the Associated Press reported.

Rouhani is expected to sign agreements with Turkey aimed at improving ties that have been strained over the war in Syria, where Iran backs the government and Turkey the rebels. Rouhani will also meet with Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

Iran is both an important trading partner for Turkey and a rival for influence in the region. Turkey, anticipating that the nuclear talks lead to a further easing of sanctions on Iran, is looking to boost energy cooperation.