Turkish PM meets President Patil

New Delhi, Nov 21 : Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whorrived on a five day visit to India to enhance bilateral ties met President Pratibha Patil here today.

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

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

He will also call on Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and meet 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