Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks with visiting State Councilor Chen Zhili in Istanbul Wednesday, with both sides expressing strong will to promote cooperation. 

The relations between Turkey and China are currently in a good momentum, officials from the two countries constantly exchange visits and communication, and the bilateral cooperation in various areas is developing steadily, Erdogan said.

Turkey attaches great importance to developing ties with China, the prime minister noted, expressing his hope that the two nations would further promote political, economic, cultural and other cooperation.

He encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Turkey, so as to gain mutual benefits for both sides through enlarged trade cooperation.

Chen expressed the same goodwill during the talks. The Chinese government and people cherish the traditional friendship with Turkey and highly appreciate the Turkish government's active approaches to bolster bilateral ties, she said.

To further promote friendship in line with the fundamental interests of the two nations, China is looking forward to enhancing cooperation in all areas with Turkey, she said.

China will push bilateral relations forward on the basis of equality and mutual benefits, the Chinese official added.

Chen arrived in Turkey on Monday morning after a five-day visit to Greece.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2005)