Turkey and India Agree On Fight Against Terrorism
President Gül said both Turkey and India adopt principles of democracy and free market, having a strategic position in their regions. President Abdullah Gül started his official contacts on February 8, the third day of his visit to India, meeting his Indian counterpart.
The President was received by Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manhoman Singh on February 8. Gül defined the objective of his visit as “to contribute to Turkey and India in rediscovering one another”, saying that he expected to hasten this process. The President initially met Turkish business people in New Delhi upon his arrival, highlighting a great potential of economic cooperation.President Gül later visited the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of independent India. Following the visit, he met Indian Prime Minister Manhoman Singh and Foreign Minister Krishna. Speaking at the working dinner of Indian Chamber of Industry and Trade, President Gül drew attention to the fact that private sector leads economic growth in both counties. The President said Turkey has been a focus of foreign investment due to its economic policies boosting macroeconomic stability, as India has undertaken successful reforms which have enhanced its credibility.“We support our corporations,” the President said, calling for joint-ventures and investments by both countries’ businessmen.On Tuesday, Turkey and India issued joint declarations on combating terrorism and scientific & technological cooperation.
The declaration on fight against terrorism states that terrorism is a big threat against global peace and security, noting that terrorism could not be associated with any religion, nation, civilization or ethnic group. Accordingly, Turkey and India confirmed their common commitments in combating terrorism and these commitments constituted an important part of efforts of the international community aiming to eliminate terrorism, the declaration said, according to Anatolia news agency quoted by Turkish daily Today’s Zaman. The other declaration emphasizes that Turkey and India are eager to boost cooperation in the areas of science and technology. It says the two countries will encourage and promote relations between representatives from technology sectors of the two countries. Joint seminars, scientific conferences, workshops and joint research projects will be held between Turkey and India, the declaration envisages. President Abdullah Gül and First Lady Hayrunnisa Gül received students of a Turkish school in India where journalists also addressed questions. The President said the trilateral summit between Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Istanbul was a joint-decision of the three countries, and India has been invited to the next meeting.
Regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and rising tensions on the international agenda, President Gül said Turkey has focused on the issue for the last two weeks, adopting a silent diplomacy for a mutually agreeable solution through diplomatic means