China and Turkey should enhance economic and trade relations and conduct cooperation in such fields as project engineering and investment, said Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju in Ankara Thursday.

Huang made the remarks at a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his arrival here from Ireland.

Huang said China and Turkey should maintain consultations and dialogues, and strengthen coordination in bilateral and international affairs.

The two countries should also promote exchanges in tourism, media, culture and education so as to enhance the friendship between the two peoples, noted Huang.

He said that to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation is not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries, but also conducive to world peace and development.

Erdogan said Turkey attaches importance to its relations with China, hoping the two sides will keep high-level contacts and strengthen cooperation in communications, energy, high-tech and tourism.

Turkey also welcomes Chinese investment, added Erdogan.

He stressed that Turkey will continue to strictly abide by a one-China policy.

Huang expressed his appreciation for Turkey's one-China policy, and support for China's reunification and its just cause to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Huang arrived in Ankara Thursday on an official visit at the invitation of Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul.

Turkey is the third leg of Huang's four-nation tour. He visited Luxembourg and Ireland before arriving here and he is also scheduled to visit Egypt.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2004)