New Delhi, November 7:

Czech president Vaclav Klaus arrived here today on a week-long visit during which strengthening economic and political relations will top the agenda. Indian president A P J Abdul Kalam accorded Klaus a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace.

Expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries will feature prominently during Klaus’ talks with Indian leaders, as is evident from the fact that he is accompanied by a high-level 27-member Czech business delegation. Bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to touch $500 million this year.

Klaus’ delegation includes the Czech deputy minister of foreign affairs Pavel Svoboda and deputy minister of industry and trade Martin Tlapa.

During his visit, Klaus will meet Kalam, prime minister Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders of his cabinet. “We expect the state visit of president Klaus to strengthen trends in the intensification of our bilateral political and economic relations with the Czech Republic,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.