President to embark on a six-day trip to Belgium, Turkey

It would be the first visit by an Indian President to Belgium.  In Belgium, Mukherjee would inaugurate jointly with King Philippe the ‘Europalia-India 2013-14'—a cultural extravaganza showcasing India.

After Belgium, the President will visit Turkey from October 5-7 at the invitation of the President of Turkey.  

It would be the third visit by an Indian President to Turkey after the visits by the President of India in 1993 and 1998.

India and Turkey share common interest in ensuring peace and political continuinity in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

“India and Turkey share a lot of common interests in ensuring that there is peace, there is stablity and political continuity and the environment for progress and development.  “...it is a scope for India and Turkey to work together particularly in the private sector where Turkish companies are big in infrastructure globally. We are welcoming their participation in India,” Press Secretary to the President Venu Rajamony told reporters here.