Turkish PM arrives in India to enhance bilateral ties

New Delhi, Nov 21 : Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who arrived on a five day visit to India to enhance bilateral ties, was accorded a ceremonialelcome at President House this morning.

Erdogan and his wife were received by Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur.

Erdogan is accompanied by a high level delegation including three ministers as well as lawmakers and business leaders.

Expressing hopes of better ties between the two countries, Erdogan said, "We have historical ties with India dating back to a long time in history and it's a confirmation that we have never had any problem. It's indicated that our relations will become much more stronger in the future."

He will also call on the President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and meet the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha L.K Advani.

Erdogan will address the captains of Indian industry at a luncheon meeting.

This is the first visit by any Prime Minister of Turkey since 1986. The global financial crisis, bilateral trade, energy security and combating terrorism are expected to dominate the agenda of the talks the Turkish Prime Minister will have with Dr. Singh.

He will also visit Agra and Bangalore during his stay in India.

ANI