Ankara, Dec 02 - Many importan agreements and understandings were reached at the bi-lateral talks that took place between President Abdullah Gul of Turkey and President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Palace in Ankara yesterday (Dec 2).

The bi-lateral talks centred on the strength of the multi-faceted relationship enjoyed by the two countries, which date back over 150 years, which will be enhanced by this first ever visit by a Sri Lankan Head of State to the Republic of Turkey.

At the outset President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked the Government and the people of Turkey on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka for the speedy and considerable assistance given to the people of Sri Lanka after the catastrophic Tsunami of December 2005.

Among the matters that featured high in the talks was the potential for enhanced trade and economic relations between Sri Lanka and Turkey, and both parties agreed on the legal architecture to be established for the expansion these relations.

In this regard a treaty on Avoidance of Double Taxation and an Investment Protection Agreement were identified as requirements for early conclusion.

Among the areas recognized and underscored for greater cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkey were Customs and Tariff regimes, Maritime activities, Tourism, the construction sector, education and air transportation.

The setting up of a Joint Commission between the two countries was agreed in order to facilitate the implementation stage of these proposal and understandings.

In the context of challenges that both countries face from terrorism, both Presidents agreed on the need for greater resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and cooperating in seeking to eradicate the threat of terrorism. In this regard, there was agreement on the need for the early conclusion of agreements on dealing with the illicit trafficking in narcotics, and on counter-terrorism activities.

The two leaders also discussed the issue of illegal immigrants and the conclusion of an Extradition Treaty between the two countries later in the day was appreciated as a positive move in this direction.

The Sri Lankan President cited the need for easy access to Sri Lanka Tea to the Turkish market, which is a traditional importer of tea, and sought a concessionary tariff regime for this major export from Sri Lanka.

On education, the Turkish leader welcomed the request for scholarships in Turkish Universities and other institutes of higher education for Sri Lankan students especially in areas of study such as IT, Medicine, engineering including chemical and aerospace engineering.

Both leaders saw the need for greater people to people contact and understanding between Sri Lanka and Turkey, where tourism could play a significant role. The regular exchange of parliamentary delegations from both countries was also seen as contributing to this, especially as in both countries there are friendship groups of the two countries in the respective parliaments.

The discussions concluded with President Rajapaksa inviting the Turkish President to visit Sri Lanka, which wads well received by President Gul.

Following the bi-lateral discussions a Treaty of Extradition and an Air Services Agreement were signed between Sri Lanka and Turkey, with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minster Rohitha Bogollagama signing both on behalf of Sri Lanka, with the Extradition Treaty being for Turkey by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Mr. Mehmet Sahir and the Air Services Agreement by Turkey’s Deputy Minister for Aviation and the Environment.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was earlier received at the Presidential Palace with the a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial Giard of Honour by the Combined Services of Turkey