Turkish PM to visit US to seek Gullen's extradition

Ankara, Nov 1 : Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will be on a visit to the US from November 7-11 to discuss the extradition of US-based cleric Fetullah Gulen and other issues amid ongoing visa row between the two countries.

Yildirim is expected to meet US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington, and will attend a meeting to be held on economic issue in New York.

Ciring Daily Sabah, Xinhua reported on Tuesday that the Prime Minister's visit will focus on talks regarding the extradition of Gulen, who is wanted by Ankara for masterminding a coup bid last year.

Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said last week the government had submitted all the documents to the United States for the extradition of Gulen, adding the prime minister could visit the US in the upcoming days for this and other issues.

The US administration is reluctant to extradite the self-exiled cleric despite repeated calls by the Turkish government.

The two NATO allies are also at odds after the arrest of US Consulate staff member led to a mutual suspension of visa services.