Visiting Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin and Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin vowed in Ankara Friday to further strengthen cooperative relations in various fields between the two countries.

During their meeting, Hua said that relations between China and Turkey have been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago. The two sides have witnessed political mutual trust, economic mutual interest and wide cooperation.

Hua said that China attached great importance to the development of relations with Turkey, adding that China is willing to carry out international cooperation with Turkey.

Noting that trade relations between China and Turkey have developed remarkably in recent years, Hua said that mutual investments should be increased to promote the balanced and harmonious development of trade between the two countries.

"China is ready to push forward cooperative ties between the two countries," Hua added.

Sahin, on his part, said that Turkey and China root deeply in history despite they are far away from each other.

Recalling that bilateral trade relations have been increasing, Sahin said that his country expects more Chinese companies to invest in Turkey and is willing to join hands with China to promote the balance development between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Hua and Sahin exchanged views on personnel and executive cooperation between China and Turkey during their meeting.

Earlier in the day, Hua also visited Turkey's Middle East Administration Institute.

Hua is paying an official visit to Turkey, the second leg of his three-nation tour which has taken him to Egypt. He will also visit Russia following his trip in Turkey.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2006)