Tianjin: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday emphasized the importance of strengthening the synergy between China and Trkiye through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor Initiative. He commended Trkiye's spirit of "self-reliance" during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tianjin, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi highlighted that both China and Trkiye are emerging powers and significant members of the Global South. He stated that the two nations share a spirit of "independence and self-reliance," as noted in a statement by Beijing's Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, Xi stressed that maintaining high-level development in China-Trkiye relations would benefit both countries and the broader Global South.
Xi urged both countries to capitalize on the current trend of peace, development, and cooperation, aiming for mutual prosperity. He suggested that both nations should elevate their strategic cooperative relationship and work together to establish a more equitable global governance system. With the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching next year, Xi expressed the desire to use this milestone to further enhance bilateral ties.
Xi underscored the need to consolidate political mutual trust, support each other on core issues, and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and security. He also advocated for deepening practical cooperation, particularly in aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the Middle Corridor Initiative. The two sides should also focus on advancing the China-Europe Railway Express's southern route and expanding collaboration in traditional and emerging sectors.
Additionally, Xi called for strengthened multilateral cooperation, encouraging close coordination within international frameworks like the United Nations, the G20, and the SCO. This cooperation aims to uphold international order, defend fairness, and contribute to global peace and stability.
The SCO summit, held on Sunday and Monday, marks the fifth annual meeting hosted by China since the organization's inception in 2001. The summit occurs amid rising geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and international trade disputes, with Xi presiding as the rotating chair.