During Gul's visit to India, deeper cooperation pursued in all areas

On a landmark official visit to India, President Abdullah Gul was welcomed by his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil yesterday with full military honors in New Delhi. Speaking to reporters after the welcoming ceremony, Gul said that he hoped his visit, the first- presidential level visit from Turkey to India in 15 years, would lead Turkey and India to rediscover each other. "This process has already started," Gul said, adding that he came to India to give momentum to that process. Stating that Turkey and India share much in common as two democratic, secular countries with free-market economies, Gul said that both are situated strategically in their regions. Turkey and India enjoy good political relations, Gul said, stressing that there is also a great trade and economic cooperation potential between the two countries that has remained untapped over the years. In addition to his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Gul yesterday also met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with a focus on exploring ways to boost trade and economic cooperation. During the meeting, Gul stressed Ankara's determination to improve economic ties, saying, "The government is planning to open three new consulates in India. This is the sign of our commitment to further improving bilateral relations with India in all areas, particularly in trade and the economy." Stating that trade between Turkey and India currently stands at $3 billion, Gul said this figure could hit $5 billion within a short period of time. Turkey wants to get a big share of India's planned $500 billion infrastructure investments, he added. Prime Minister Singh, for his part, said that India is ready for deeper and stronger cooperation with Turkey. "I believe President Gul's visit will be a milestone in Turkish-Indian relations," he said, agreeing that bilateral trade could rise remarkably in the years to come. Singh added that he appreciates Turkey's efforts to promote peace and stability in its region and the world. Gul's talks in India also included meetings with several Indian Cabinet ministers, and ruling and opposition party leaders. Gul also attended a dinner given in his honor by his Indian counterpart Patil. Speaking at the dinner, Gul said Turkey and India were among the key actors of the new world order. Sound political relations between Turkey and India also strengthen economic relations, he said. The two countries should work hard to boost trade and mutual investments, Gul said. He added that stronger international cooperation is needed in energy safety, as well as combating terrorism, climate change and financial turmoil. In related news, as part of Gul's official visit, India and Turkey yesterday also issued a joint declaration on fighting terrorism and improving scientific and technological cooperation.