Vajpayee pays homage to Kemal Ataturk in Turkey

The Prime Minister said, "I have come to pay homage to a great patriot, an intrepid warrior and a charismatic leader."

He said Ataturk inspired not only the Turkish people, but all of Asia. "We salute his vision of democracy, secularism and social justice and remain committed to these noble principles," he added.

The Prime Minister was later accorded a ceremonial reception.