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Chinese and Turkish Defence Ministers Hold Talks
China is willing to continue to develop cooperation with Turkey in order to contribute to the peace and stability of the world.
Chinese Defence Minister Chi Haotian made these remarks Wednesday during talks with Turkish Minister of Defense Sabahattin Cakmakoglu.
Chi, also a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said the peoples of the two countries enjoy a traditional friendship.
China and Turkey, both developing countries, play a major role in international and regional issues and share the same or similar views on many issues, Chi noted.
He said bilateral ties have been growing smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1971.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin's recent state visit to Turkey has opened up a new and important chapter in the history of Sino-Turkish relations, Chi said.
As an important part of state-to-state relations, the military contact between the two sides has been satisfactory in recent years, the Chinese defence minister said.
Cakmakoglu said he agrees with Chi's statement that, Turkey and China enjoy a long-term friendship, adding that there is a good foundation for the two countries to further their cooperation.
Turkey is willing to develop relations with China in a variety of areas, he said.
Cakmakoglu said Turkey adheres to the one-China policy and does not have official contact with Taiwan in any form.
He added that the Taiwan issue is an internal affair of China.
Cakmakoglu said he hopes his visit will further relations between the two countries and their armed forces.
Prior to the talks, Chi held a welcoming ceremony for Cakmakoglu.
Cakmakoglu started his five-day goodwill visit to China today at the invitation of Chi.
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