Xi proposes closer China-Turkey business cooperation

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping called for closer cooperation between China and Turkey as he and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended a China-Turkey business forum Thursday in Beijing.

Addressing the forum, Xi said China and Turkey made great contributions to exchanges and prosperity of human civilization as they stood at either end of the ancient Silk Road.

Xi noted that both countries have set bold goals for the upcoming centenaries, and suggested they should cooperate to achieve them.

China is aiming to have built a "moderately prosperous" society by the time the Communist Party of China celebrates its centenary in 2021, and to have turned itself into a "modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious" when the People's Republic of China marks its centenary in 2049.

The year 2023 will meanwhile mark 100 years since the Republic of Turkey was established.

Xi proposed the two sides "make full use of the vice premier-level inter-governmental cooperation committee to boost cooperation politically, economically, culturally and on security."

He highlighted high-speed railways, new energy, aviation, finance and investment as particular areas of opportunity.

The Chinese president urged the Turkish side to create a more favorable environment for Chinese investors.

"Entrepreneurs are major players for win-win economic cooperation," Xi said, encouraging businessmen from both sides to work hard to turn the potential for cooperation into concrete results.

Erdogan, on a two-day state visit on Wednesday and Thursday, said improving economic ties have been an important driving force for the partnership between the nations.

He reiterated Turkey's support for the China-proposed Belt and Road network of regional trade and infrastructure.

The Turkish government welcomes Chinese investment and will improve business conditions for Chinese companies, said the visiting president.