Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said here Friday that China and Turkey share common interests and China is willing to improve friendly cooperation with Turkey.

Huang told Turkey's National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul that China and Turkey underwent similar sufferings in history and currently the two countries are facing similar historical tasks of developing national economy and improving people's living standards.

Huang paid a visit to Turkey in November. During the visit, he met with Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

Huang said the Chinese government appreciates Turkish government's support to China's efforts of safeguarding national sovereignty and territory integrity.

"China cherishes the friendship and relations with Turkey and we are willing to promote the friendly bilateral relations on the principle of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation to bring benefit to the two peoples," Huang said.

The Turkey's Defense Minister arrived in China on Wednesday at the invitation of the Chinese Defense Ministry. On Thursday, Gonulhad official talks with Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

Source: Xinhua