ISTANBUL, Sept 28 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkish officials spoke highly of relations with China, at a reception held in Istanbul to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
“I congratulate (on) the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I am glad to be here with you,” said Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul, at the reception held by the Chinese Consulate-General in Istanbul.
“I am aware of the value that China gives to Istanbul and our country,” he added, referring to Chinese investments in Istanbul as a “strong motivation” for good relations between Turkey and China.
The mayor pledged “much closer and more beneficial relationships” with all the Chinese cities, including Istanbul’s sister cities, namely Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi’an.
“We share your joy and honour you feel about such a historic day,” Hulya Kaya, deputy governor of Istanbul, said in her speech.
“Our strategic partnership, which we have developed in many areas, continues its course without interruption,” she said.
Cui Wei, Chinese consul general in Istanbul, spoke of Turkey as an important partner of China, which has been playing its part that cannot be ignored, in working to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a new type of international relations.
China and Turkey should join efforts to confront the challenges and uncertainties facing the world today, and promote common development, said Cui.– NNN-ANADOLU