(DIP) TURKISH PRESIDENT IN SERBIA.

BELGRADE, Oct 26, 2009 (TUR) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Serbia on a state visit as the guest of Serbian President Boris Tadic.

Prior to his departure, President Gul told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that Turkey-Serbia relations had gained a serious momentum in the last two years.

"President Tadic and I will have the chance to scrutinize the bilateral relations and opportunities of cooperation between our two countries. We will also discuss recent developments both in our region and in the world," he said.

President Gul said, "we consider Serbia a key country in the Balkans. Although we do not share a border, we have a joint history and culture. We attach great importance to our relations with Serbia in regard to stability in the Balkans. The responsible attitude pursued by Serbia is of vital importance for the regional stability."

"Turkey and Serbia signed a free trade agreement in June 2008. Now, we will sign new agreements to complete the legal frame of our bilateral relations. President Tadic and I will also have the chance to attend the Turkish-Serbia Business Council meeting," he said.

Gul is the first ever Turkish president paying a state visit to Serbia since 1986.

A 115-member delegation including State Minister Faruk Celik and Labor & Social Security Minister Omer Dincer is accompanying the president.

After his arrival in Belgrade, President Gul met with Turkish entrepreneurs making business in Serbia.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)