Turkey-a bridge between Europe and Asia: Sibal

New Delhi, Nov 21 : Union Minister for Science and Technology Kabil Sibal addressing a business meet in the presence of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey is a strategic country that can prove to be a bridge between Europe and Asia.

At a joint Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),onfederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) meeting in New Delhi, Sibal observed that Turkey can cash in the opportunities that both Europe and Asia provide.

"Here is a country which can look both towards Europe as well as Asia; here is a country which is a bridge between Europe and Asia. Here is a country that can in fact absorb the qualities and opportunities that both Europe and Asia have to offer," said Sibal.

Turkey is geographically, politically and officially a part of two continents - Europe and Asia, thus providing it with many opportunities.

Sibal also added that India can look forward to collaborate with both small and medium sector enterprises in various fields like technology, incubation and manufacturing.

"So we can actually collaborate both in the small and the medium scale sector. We can actually collaborate by setting up joint ventures; we can collaborate on the technology front, incubation front and produce goods that are competitive throughout the world. This is a great opportunity and Turkish Prime Minister, you have seized that moment in history by being in India with the largest possible delegation ever that has come from Turkey," said Sibal.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Erdogan also met Lal Krishna Advani, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Erdogan on a five-day visit is accompanied by a high level delegation including three ministers as well as lawmakers and business leaders.

Erdogan is also scheduled to hold talks with his counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The global financial crisis, bilateral trade, energy security and combating terrorism are expected to dominate the agenda of his talks with the Prime Minister Dr. Singh.

Talking to media persons after his ceremonial reception on Friday morning, Erdogan said that the two countries have come closer and deeper during the last five years to further their commercial and cultural ties.

According to reports, India and Turkey aim to increase the bilateral trade to six billion dollar by 2010.

Erdogan is also scheduled to have a meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Chief of the Congress party.

ANI