Li Changchun, a senior Chinese official and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, paid an official visit to Turkey this week to discuss economic and political cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing a bilateral business meeting, Li called on the two countries to strengthen political relations to promote greater economic cooperation, stating that Sino-Turkish economic cooperation has a “broad perspective.”
Stating that China is satisfied and proud of the trade performance between the two countries in the backdrop of the international financial crisis, Li noted that economic cooperation has become "a pillar" of bilateral relationship. Trade between the two countries has grown 12 fold in 2000-10 and increased 69 percent in the first quarter of this year, Turkish exports to China reportedly scored a year-on-year growth of 153 percent.
Li called for more bilateral investments in infrastructure development projects, finance and energy and said that the Chinese government was encouraging Chinese businesses to invest in Turkey.
During his visit, Li also inaugurated the Confucius Institute at Bogazici University in Istanbul. Speaking at the opening, Kadri Ozcaldiran, President of Bogazici University, stated that the Institute will strive to promote a better understanding between the people of China and Turkey and contribute to economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. More than 130 students are currently studying Chinese at the University.
