On May 13, 2017, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who was in China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Turkey relations in various fields have enjoyed rapid development in recent years. To develop China-Turkey strategic cooperative relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples. In order to push bilateral relations for greater development, the two sides should respect and accommodate each other’s core concerns, and deepen cooperation in security and anti-terrorism. Under the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win results, both sides should strengthen strategic docking, continue to advance economic cooperation in the Online Silk Road, promote bilateral policy communication, joint construction of infrastructure and industry cooperation, and push bilateral trade for balanced development. Highly appraising Turkey’s support and active participation in the “Belt and Road” construction, China is willing to, together with Turkey, steadily advance major cooperative projects within the “Belt and Road” framework. China welcomes Turkey to hold Turkey Tourism Year in China in 2018, and stands ready to take the signing of agreement with Turkey to set up cultural centers in both countries as an opportunity to promote bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as consolidate the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations.

Xi Jinping pointed out that a peaceful, stable and developing Middle East conforms to the common interests of the international community. China is willing to enhance communication with relevant parties to push the Middle East to achieve peace and stability at an early date.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed with President Xi Jinping’s appraisal on Turkey-China relations, and the Turkish side holds a positive attitude towards the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the advancements of bilateral practical cooperation. The BRF held by China is very important. Under the “Belt and Road” framework, Turkey stands ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation in investment, transportation network, infrastructure construction and other fields. The country welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Turkey. The Turkish side stands ready to maintain communication with China on Middle East situation.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering in judiciary, transportation, culture and other areas.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended above activities.