Turkish president addresses business council in S.Arabia

"The Turkish banking system has braced strongly for the global financial crisis. You can trust in the Turkish banks," Gul was quoted by Anatolian Agency as telling Saudi businesspeople.  Â

The Turkish president said his country had built up a solid environment of economic confidence with sweeping reforms, giving each investor an equal opportunity and not discriminating between foreign or local investors.

Gul also called on Turkish and Saudi businesspeople to boost mutual investments.

The Turkish leader earlier on Wednesday addressed the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

Gul also visited the King Saud University and the King Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center on Wednesday. Meeting with Saudi Minister of Higher Education Khalid bin Muhammad al-Anqari, Gul said that King Saud University made significant contributions to the country.

"We would like to see Saudi students in our universities in Turkey," Gul was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying.

A protocol was signed between the King Saud University and the Scientific and Technological Research Council and Istanbul Technology University, the agency reported.

Turkish and Saudi Arabian authorities late on Tuesday undersigned agreements that envisage cooperation in the fields of youth and sports, and maritime transportation. Gul and King Abdullah chaired meetings between delegations in Riyadh.

Several ministers and some 150 Turkish businessmen are accompanying Gul, who has said his visit to Saudi Arabia will boost bilateral ties between the two countries.