On the evening of July 13, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since last year, the practical cooperation between China and Turkey has yielded encouraging results, showing strong resilience and great potential. The close cooperation between the two sides in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new highlight in bilateral relations. Noting that China and Turkey are about to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Chinese side is willing to work with Turkey to promote greater development of China-Turkey strategic cooperative relations.

Xi Jinping emphasized that both sides should respect each other's core concerns and enhance strategic mutual trust. China supports Turkey in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in taking a development path in line with its own national conditions. China is also willing to strengthen cooperation with Turkey in counter-terrorism, security and other fields. The two sides should promote synergy between joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor project of Turkey, explore new ideas and measures to optimize bilateral trade structure, and improve economy and trade cooperation so as to push for more fruitful results in the practical cooperation. The Chinese side stands ready to conduct in-depth vaccine cooperation with Turkey and help it defeat the COVID-19 pandemic at an early date. Both sides should jointly oppose politicizing origin tracing and labelling the virus, and promote the building of a global community of health for all.

Erdogan once again congratulated the Communist Party of China on its centennial. He said that this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and China, which is of special significance for both countries. Turkey attaches importance to developing relations with China, and is willing to have close contacts with China and look to the future, jointly build the Belt and Road, and expand practical cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and infrastructure. Turkey welcomes investment cooperation with Chinese enterprises. Expressing appreciation for China's invaluable support in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Erdogan said, the safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines have won recognition and trust worldwide, and Turkey hopes to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China. Turkey has adhered to and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy firmly. Turkey supports China in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in combating terrorism. Turkey does not allow anyone to use Turkish territory to engage in separatist activities that endanger China's sovereignty.