The first visit to India by a Turkish prime minister in two decades began Friday, with an agenda to forge closer economic ties, according to the Indo-Asian News Service Friday.

After arriving in Delhi late Thursday night, Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his state visit with a ceremonial welcome at the President House and then a short drive to lay a wreath at the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi.

At the ceremony, Erdogan noted that Turkey and India had long- standing and deep historical ties.

He said Turkey was not just trying to boost bilateral ties, but would also like to combat the scourge of global terrorism with India.

Erdogan has ever said he would like to increase the bilateral trade volume to reach US$6 billion, from the current level of US42.6 billion.

Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee then met the visiting dignitary, before Erdogan made a formal call on President Pratibha Patil.

In the afternoon, Erdogan addressed a business luncheon hosted by leading Indian business chambers. He will meet with the Indian prime minister Friday evening.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2008)