Hu made the remarks during a meeting with chairman of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who arrived here Tuesday. Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met him on Tuesday.

"China and Turkey share common concerns in fighting against terrorism, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintaining unity among different ethnic groups," Hu said. "To strengthen cooperation in this regard will serve the fundamental interests of our two peoples, and help maintain peace and stability in the region and the world at large."

Relations between China and Turkey can be traced back as far as 2,000 years ago, when traders exchanged goods through the ancient "Silk Road." Bilateral relations grew vigorously after the two countries established full diplomatic relations three decades ago.

Hu said China appreciates the move of the new government of Turkey to include the development of relations with China into its government policy. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government pay great attention to its relations with Turkey and hope to strengthen the relations in a variety of areas.

Erdogan said Turkey will uphold the one-China policy, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose terrorism in any form.

He stressed that Turkey values its relations with China and believes the relations will develop to a higher level. He said trade and economic cooperation should grow more.

He expressed his hope that his current visit to China will help enhance the friendly exchanges between the ruling parties of Turkey and China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2003)