MANILA, Philippines ? President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit Turkey on September 16-17 on the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday released an updated three-nation swing of the President, including visits to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

The DFA said in a statement the inclusion of Turkey in the visits was expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Turkey is the 16th largest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe. It is also an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South Africa, Russia, and Ukraine.

In 2008, the trade volume between the Philippines and Turkey amounted to more than $114 million, with Philippine exports to Turkey reaching $63 million, and Philippine imports from Turkey at $51 million.

Among Philippine products for further promotion to Turkey include costume/precious jewelry (especially pearls, other precious stones), fresh/processed fruits (especially bananas, mangoes), garments/furniture, organic chemicals, and coconut products.

The DFA said the President would also take the opportunity to thank Gul for Turkey?s support for the Philippines? bid for an observer status with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

While in Turkey, President Arroyo will meet with OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to solidify the Philippines? bid and update the latter on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.

Last March, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo also visited Turkey and met with then Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, who is now deputy prime minister.

From Turkey, the President will proceed to the UK and Saudi Arabia to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination, to look after the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, and to strengthen bilateral relations with the two countries.