(DIP) GUL: TURKEY-SERBIA STRATEGIC RELATIONS HAVE A HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE.

BELGRADE, Oct 26, 2009 (TUR) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Monday that relations between Turkey and Serbia had reached a strategic level and this had a historical importance.

Turkey and Serbia signed several agreements on economic cooperation, transportation infrastructure, social security and cooperation on technical and financial matters in Belgrade.

Following the signing ceremony, Gul held a joint press conference with President Boris Tadic of Serbia.

Gul said that the supportive stance of Tadic for peace, stability, economic development and prosperity would have a big contribution to both Serbia and bilateral and regional relations.

Gul said that he appreciated the vision and strategy which Tadic envisaged for his country, Balkans and the whole region.

Noting that Turkey-Serbia relations were developing rapidly both in political and economic aspects, Gul said that the two countries had previously signed free trade agreement, and required infrastructure for economic cooperation was completed with the agreements which were signed today.

Gul said that he and Tadic would attend Turkish-Serbian Business Council meeting today, and they would call on businessmen of the two countries to make more investments.

Noting that Turkish companies were interested in constructing highways in Serbia, Gul defined Serbia as "key country of Balkans", and said that Turkey could share its experiences in construction of organized industrial zones, airports and use of military airports for civilian purposes.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)