The meeting took place within the framework of Gul's formal visit to Japan. Gul is the first Turkish president ever visiting this country.

"I had the opportunity to explain the great investment opportunities for Japanese firms in Turkey," Gul told a joint press conference with Fukudo after their meeting.

Gul also said he was pleased to see that Turkey and Japan were sharing common views on many matters.

The Turkish president said that he believed his visit would open a new page in bilateral relations.

Japanese Prime Minister Fukudo said that his country attached great importance to Turkey's role in peace and stability of the Middle East.

"From now on, we intend to exchange views with Turkey about regional developments and improve our cooperation in the region," Fukudo also said.

Fukudo said that he expected economic relations between Turkey and Japan to be boosted after Gul's visit.

Gul earlier met Japanese Emperor Akihito; Yohei Kono, the speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives; and executives of several leading Japanese companies.

AA