Amid growing concerns that the Franco-German alliance will unite to officially offer Turkey a “privileged partnership” in the European Union rather than a full membership, President Abdullah Gül will visit Paris on Thursday to hold talks with Turkey-skeptic President Nicholas Sarkozy.

President Gül and his wife, accompanied by a large delegation, will depart for France late Wednesday afternoon, to participate in the official kick-off ceremony of the Turkish Season in France. The season began in July but due to some political problems the official ceremony had to be delayed.

On Wednesday night, Gül will come together with intellectuals and academics at IFRI, a French think tank, and respond to questions. On Thursday, he will attend a dinner hosted by Sarkozy in his honor. Gül will also meet with French Prime Minister François Fillon and head of the Senate Gerard Larcher.

Gül will make an address to French businessmen at a meeting jointly organized by the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen Association, or TUSİAD, and France’s Medef, Movement of French Enterprises.

On the margins of the ceremonies, the first ladies, Hayrünisa Gül and Carla Bruni, are expected to meet as well.

According to diplomats, Gül’s visit comes as rumors are spreading around Europe about a potential new Franco-German initiative designed to offer Turkey a new partnership model. Gül is expected to voice the country’s official position, which rejects any proposal less than full membership. The fact that Turkey and Armenia will sign two protocols to establish diplomatic ties and open the border will be another top issue to be discussed in Paris.

Gesture to Gül

As a clear gesture to Turkey and Gül, the Eiffel Tower will be lit with colors of the Turkish flag for five days starting Tuesday.

Gül will also take part in the opening of an exhibition titled "Istanbul through the Ages" at the Grand Palais