New Delhi. 28 April 2019 . Dr. Ibrahim Kalin, Senior Advisor and Spokesperson of the President of Turkey and Deputy Chairman of the Foreign and Security Council of Turkey visited India at the invitation of the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and held talks with him recently.

The dialogue reflects the positive momentum that characterises India-Turkey relations in recent years, particularly after the State visit of the President of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan to India in April-May 2017.

The talks covered the whole range of bilateral issues and resulted in identification of specific steps to further expand relations in all areas, including political, security, economic, scientific and cultural. The sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade to the level of US $ 8.6 billion currently, and discussed proposals to raise the level to much higher levels. Investment opportunities in specific sectors such as tourism, smart cities, construction, infrastructure and IT were also explored.

The two sides held a detailed exchange of views on global and regional issues, including those relating to South Asia and West Asia. They agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in various multilateral organisations, including the United Nations.

They agreed that as two ancient civilisations and modern thriving democracies, they have enough in common to cooperate with each other to harness opportunities emerging from their respective growth trajectories, as well as to address contemporary threats and challenges, especially those emanating from international and cross-border terrorism. In the light of the recent terrorist incidents in the region, they reiterated the importance for all States to cooperate with each other to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of terrorist attacks to justice.