Chinese VP underscores political trust with Turkey

BEIJING, Apr 1 – Vice President Xi Jinping met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Beijing on Tuesday, stressing respect and support for each other on issues regarding both countries’ core concerns.

“To respect and support each other on issues regarding core concerns is not only a manifestation of political trust between China and Turkey, but also the foundation for healthy growth of our strategic cooperative ties,” said the vice president.

Erdogan is the first Turkish prime minister to visit China in 27 years. In his talks with Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday, Erdogan said he would never allow any anti-China secessionist activity by anyone in his country.

Xi said he appreciates Erdogan’s commitment, adding the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and improvement of people’s livelihoods there.

“China has motivated the whole nation to promote Xinjiang’s rapid development, and meanwhile, has taken measures to safeguard the region’s stability and peace,” Xi added.

Before coming to Beijing, the Turkish prime minister visited Urumqi, capital city of Xinjiang – the first Turkish prime minister to visit the region.

Xi said he hopes Erdogan would encourage more Turkish businessmen to invest in Xinjiang.

Recalling his visit to Turkey in February, Xi told Erdogan that China has developed ties with Turkey from a strategic height, and believes the China-Turkey relationship is of strategic significance and global influence.

Xi hailed the rapid growth of relations between the countries in recent years, citing strengthened political trust, improved cooperation in trade, investment and other areas.

Describing Xi’s Turkey visit as “fruitful” and a “full success,” Erdogan said the close contact between both countries’ leaders is of great importance to future growth of Turkey-China ties.

Turkey is ready to cement cooperation with China in such areas as trade, investment, aviation, tourism and project contracting, he said.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s adherence to the one-China policy. They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and North Africa.

President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo met with Erdogan on Tuesday.

The Turkish prime minister started his China visit on Sunday. He plans to visit China’s financial hub Shanghai before concluding his trip on Wednesday.

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