TIA NEWS
India and Turkey today agreed to work together to strengthen the cooperation to effectively counter menace of terrorism at bi-lateral as well as multi-lateral levels.
In a joint press statement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New Delhi after delegation level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, world today faces new threats and challenges from terrorism therefore there can be no justification whatsoever for it.
He said, terrorist networks and their financing need to be disrupted unitedly and countries should put a stop to cross border movement of terrorists. Mr Modi said, there is also a need to stand and act against those who create, support, shelter and spread terrorism.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured India of his country’s full support in the fight against terrorism as he held extensive discussion with Mr Modi on the matter. He said Turkey will be on the side of India in its fight against terrorism.
The two leaders also discussed the need for comprehensive UN reforms including the Security Council expansion to make the body more representative accountable and effective. Both the countries recognize the need for the UN Security Council to reflect the world of the twenty first century and not of the century gone by.
On trade, Mr Modi said, the bilateral trade turnover of around six billion dollars is not commensurate with the size of the two economies and the business and industry on both sides can do much more.
He said India will encourage stronger partnership of Turkish companies with the flagship programmes and projects, either on their own or in collaboration with the Indian companies. He expressed confidence that Turkish businesses would be quick to tap the diverse and unique opportunities inherent in rapidly growing India.
Earlier, the two countries signed three agreements in areas of culture, communication and foreign relations. The pacts were inked after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New Delhi.
India and Turkey have set a trade target of 10 billion dollar by 2020. Briefing media on the ongoing visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Erdogan agreed to encourage the businessmen to achieve the trade target.
He said, Mr Erdogan has evinced keen interest in India’s flagship programme particularly in Make In India and Smart Cities. Mr Baglay said, both the leaders also discussed promotion of tourism and people to people contacts and promotion of films between the two countries.
In reply to a question on Kashmir, he said, the issue came up for discussion and India put its views on Kashmir across Turkish leader saying that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and India is ready to address it bilaterally.
He said, India has been a victim of terrorism and cross border violence for the last 40 years.He said, there was detailed discussion on terrorism and both leaders reiterated condemnation of terrorism in its all manifestations.
Mr Baglay said, the Prime Minister also thanked Mr Erdogan for his country’s support to India’s membership to 48 nation nuclear suppliers’ group.
