Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara on his first visit to a predominantly Muslim country amid very tight security measures. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose party has Islamic origins, welcomed the Pontiff soon after he disembarked the plane. Erdogan and Pope Benedict then entered the VIP Hall at the airport and had a brief meeting.

Five archbishops and five cardinals will accompany Benedict XVI during the papal visit. The four-day visit to Turkey is his first one to a predominantly Muslim country as Pope. He arrived in Turkey at the invitation of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Thousands of law-enforcers and snipers are invited to secure the Pope during his visit. Besides, the authorities intend to use a false motorcade, which will move in the city without the Pope. Authorities say nothing will threaten the Pontiff.

Benedict XVI will be the second Pope visiting a mosque. Besides, the Pontiff will meet with Muslim and Judaic leaders, as well as heads of Christian communities of Turkey, reports BBC Russian service.