Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji made the remarks Tuesday while meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, chairman of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party.

Zhu said that China-Turkey friendly and cooperative ties had evolved in a positive manner since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30-odd years ago, adding that recent years had seen more frequent exchanges of high-level visits and closer cooperation. Their friendly cooperation will benefit not only both nations and peoples, but also regional peace, stability and development.

On the topic of trade and economic cooperation, Zhu said that the bilateral trade volume had increased in recent years and that the trade imbalance was also diminishing, and expressed his hope that this momentum will be maintained. He said that increased contacts between business people from both sides will boost bilateral trade and economic ties.

The Chinese premier invited more Turkish businessmen to participate in projects related to the 2008 Olympic Games and the World Expo 2010 to be held in China, adding that China is encouraging business people to invest in Turkey.

Erdogan said that the favorable political relations between Turkey and China have provided a good basis for their trade and economic development, adding that Turkey hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure construction and tourism. He said Turkish entrepreneurs are willing to participate in Olympic Games and World Expo 2010 construction projects.

China thanks Turkey for its China policy

Premier Zhu expressed gratitude to the Turkish government Tuesday for its one-China policy and respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China appreciates Turkey's adherence to the One-China policy, its respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and its firm refusal of any separatist group operating in Turkey against China, including the East Turkistan separatist force from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Zhu said, "We are glad to note that Chairman Erdogan reiterated this stance" during the meeting.

Erdogan reiterated that Turkey supports the One-China policy and fully respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

His mission in China is to promote and further the development of bilateral ties, he said. He and Zhu agreed to oppose all forms of terrorism during their meeting, he said.

Terrorism should not be attributed to any ethnic group, religion or country, he said.

Erdogan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2003)