China, Turkey pledge counter-terrorism, energy cooperation

Chinese and Turkish leaders on Saturday agreed to advance cooperation in fields of counter-terrorism, energy and infrastructure during a meeting ahead of the G20 Hangzhou summit. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

HANGZHOU, Sept. 3 -- Chinese and Turkish leaders on Saturday agreed to advance cooperation in fields of counter-terrorism, energy and infrastructure during a meeting ahead of the G20 Hangzhou summit.

In the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Xi Jinping said China appreciates Turkey's affirmation that it will never allow any activities that could undermine China's security to take place on Turkish soil.

He called on both sides to adhere to the core issue of political mutual trust, and to achieve more substantial results on anti-terrorism and security cooperation

Both should consider concrete means and projects to link China-proposed Belt and Road initiative with Turkey's development strategy, to achieve substantial progress in cooperation in infrastructure, energy, quarantine and other fields, Xi said.

Erdogan appreciated China's support for Turkey to maintain its national security and social stability. He expressed hopes that the two countries could increase collaboration in investment, energy, infrastructure, aviation, agriculture, tourism and counter-terrorism.

Xi said China is willing to work with Turkey, last year's host of the G20 summit in Antalya, to propel the G20 to play a bigger role in global economic governance.

He noted the good communication Turkey maintained with Chinese authorities on the preparation for the upcoming Hangzhou summit.

Thanks to concerted efforts from both sides, many consensus reached between the two presidents to advance Sino-Turkish ties have been, or are in the process of being implemented, producing gratifying results, Xi said.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi said China is willing to work with Turkey to advance their strategic partnership, and holds high expectations for the future of Sino-Turkish ties.

A series of cooperation agreements in energy, inspection and quarantine and other fields were signed after the meeting.

Erdogan is in Hangzhou for the 11th summit of Group of 20 major economies scheduled on Sunday and Monday.