China, Turkey discuss Silk Road project

Zeynep Bilgehan ISTANBUL

Representatives from Turkish NGOs and the Peace and Disarmament Association of the People’s Republic of China discussed the Silk Road Project on Nov. 9.

Representatives from Turkish NGOs and the Peace and Disarmament Association of the People’s Republic of China discussed the Silk Road project and possibilities for China and Turkey to cooperate further in a number of fields.

“We are very happy to discuss the Silk Road project, which was born in 2013, with our Turkish friends. Turkey has pioneered the ‘win-win’ principle that is based on peaceful development between China and the surrounding region,” said Ma Biabo, the head of the Chinese board, which visited Turkey upon the invitation by Turkey’s Marmara Group Foundation.

He added that China and Turkey should have a “long-term perspective to develop their relations and respect” for each other.

“China wants to contribute to the building of infrastructure projects in Turkey,” he said.

The Chinese board requested easier visa and customs policies for China from Turkey, while Turkish representatives requested that China detail its Russia, Ukraine, Palestine and Syria policies.

“Turkey’s development plans overlap with China’s vision. Turkey and China should cooperate more on the road to reaching their goals. I personally believe in the future of the relationship between China and Turkey,” said He Jun, the vice president of the Chinese group and a former assistant minister of the International Department of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.