(dpa) - Iraqi President Jalal al-Talabani arrived Saturday on a surprise visit to the city of Najaf to meet with the Shiite top cleric Ali al-Sistani, media reports said.
The Iraqi News Agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) said that al-Talabani planned to discuss security and political developments in the country with al-Sistani.
Iraqi politicians usually meet with the Shiite cleric to seek his support and views over major issues in the country.
The governor of Najaf greeted al-Talabani upon his arrival, VOI said.