Chinese premier meets deputy prime minister of Turkey

DALIAN, Sept. 11 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met on Wednesday with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan on the sidelines of the annual Summer Davos Forum in the northeast China city of Dalian.

Li spoke highly of the sound development of strategic relations between China and Turkey and the two countries' mutual support of each other on issues of major concern.

He said China will make closer high-level contact with Turkey, enhance cooperation on large-scale infrastructure construction projects such as high-speed rail and civil aviation, promote balanced development of bilateral trade, and increase communication and coordination on international and regional affairs.

Babacan said Turkey attaches high importance to relations with China and will strengthen strategic communication with China. He said Turkey will expand cooperation in all areas with China, coordinate and cooperate closely on hot regional issues, and promote the development of bilateral ties.

Babacan is here to attend the annual Summer Davos meeting, which opened on Wednesday afternoon in the city of Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province. Li attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.