Jiang, Ecevit Agree to Advance Bilateral Cooperation

Jiang, Ecevit Agree to Advance Bilateral Cooperation

Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Wednesday that the Sino-Turkish relations have advanced smoothly since they established diplomatic ties in 1971, thanks to the joint efforts of the two sides.

The two countries should further their cooperation in various fields to promote bilateral relations in an all-round way, Jiang said at a luncheon hosted by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in his honor.

Jiang said he believes his ongoing visit will help push forward the bilateral relations. He expressed thanks for the hospitality of the Turkish government and people, and conveyed Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's regards to Ecevit.

Jiang welcomed Turkish businessmen to participate in the great development of China's western region, rich in natural resources but lack in industrial development.

Ecevit extended his welcome to Jiang, and expressed his appreciation for China's assistance to Turkey when the country was hit by devastating earthquakes last year.

He said Turkish government values its ties with China and is willing to develop friendship with the great country.

Turkey would like to strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of trade, investment, culture and tourism, he added.

Jiang arrived in Turkey Tuesday for a state visit at the invitation of Turkish President Suleyman Demirel.

Turkey is the third leg of Jiang's five-nation visit, which will also take him to Greece and South Africa. He had visited Israel and Palestine, and held a meeting with President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt's Mediterranean port city of Alexandria.