Turkish PM in China to boost economic & political ties
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E-mail CNTV, April 9, 2012
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to arrive in China today for an official visit, the first by a Turkish head of government in over two decades. The landmark trip is to boost economic and political ties, especially those in business.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan is Turkey’s first prime minister to visit China in 27 years. The four-day trip is seen as a sign of continuous warming in relations between the fast-growing economies. There’s the traditional ethnic link through Xinjiang in northwest China. And both countries are keen to maintain a certain economic development pace and regional stability.
Li Guofu, senior fellow of China Institue of Internation Studies, said, "Over the past years, the two nations realize that deep political and economic collaboration is in the interest of both peoples. Respecting each other’s core interests in terms of national sovereignty and condemning religious extremists set a cornerstone to push the bilateral relations forward. The visit will be another platform to enhance understanding and exchanges."
Trade volume between Turkey and China reached a record level of nearly 25 billion US dollars last year. The Turkish Prime Minister is expected to be accompanied by a large business delegation. One priority is finding economic development opportunities.
Li Guofu, senior fellow of China Institue of Internation Studies, said, "The two sides have their own economic features. For instance, Turkey has great potential in construction and energy. Machinery products and infrastructure construction could be China’s advantages. Introducing high-speed railways to Turkey is under discussion. And there is big room for bilateral cooperation. Due to the linguistic and religious link to Xinjiang, China also welcomes Turkey to invest in its Northwest Region."
Besides business and economic cooperation, discussions on the Syria issue could be another item on the agenda.
In Beijing, Turkish Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping. Shanghai will be Erdogan’s last stop in China, and he is expected to call on Chinese investment in Turkey.
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