ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: Turkish President Abdullah Gul was given a red-carpet warm welcome as he arrived here on Sunday on a two-day state visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President Pervez Musharraf.

President Musharraf received the Turkish leader at the Chaklala airbase.

The Turkish president, accompanied by the first lady Hayrunnisa Gul, senior officials and business leaders, was given a 21-gun salute and presented a salute by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force.

The Chaklala airbase was decorated with colourful buntings and flags of both the countries.

Mr Gul’s visit is aimed at promoting the bilateral and friendly relations between the two countries.

The visit is taking place in the 60th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Turkey.

During the visit, the Turkish president will hold talks with President Musharraf on issues of bilateral, regional and global importance at the Aiwan-i-Sadr on Monday.—APP