At the invitation of His Excellency Süleyman Demirel, President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China, paid a state visit to the Republic of Turkey from 18 to 21 April 2000.

During the visit, President Jiang Zemin held talks with President Süleyman Demirel and met with the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Yıldırım Akbulut and Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit. In a friendly and constructive atmosphere, the two sides had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on further development of the bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached a broad consensus.

In addition to this Joint Communique, the two sides signed the Agreed Minutes of the 13th Session of the Turco-Chinese Joint Economic and Trade Committee and the Framework Protocol of Economic and Technological Cooperation in the Energy Sector between the Republic of Turkey and the People's Republic of China, which are aimed at further strengthening the relations between the two countries at the dawn of the 21st century.

The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction with the marked progress made in friendly relations and cooperation between Turkey and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties 29 years ago and confirmed that this conforms with the common desire of the two sides and serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. They also expressed their determination to constantly expand and deepen the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and have decided to establish an enhanced partnership based on mutual respect, trust, benefit, equality and common development.

Noting that promotion of peace and development, commitment to universal principles and equal security for all countries have become essential features of contemporary international relations, the two sides expressed their determination to make vigorous and effective efforts to develop their friendly relations and cooperation. The two sides reiterate their respect to human rights. They further emphasized that the universally recognized principles such as mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence and the principle of pacta sund servanda will continue to govern their relations. The Turkish side reiterated its adherence to the One China policy and its continued recognition of the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China.

The two sides will continue to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels, develop and expand their existing friendly relations and cooperation in all fields and enrich and substantiate the contents of this relationship and bring it to a new level in the new Century. They will continue high level political consultations to develop and deepen overall bilateral relations and expand the consultations envisaged in the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Political Consultation Mechanism between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, signed on 13 November 1997.

The two sides will continue to attach importance to the links between the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the National People's Congress of China and expand inter-parliamentary contacts.

The two sides believe that there is considerable potential and a bright prospect for economic cooperation and trade between the two countries. They agree that the growth of economic and commercial relations will not only be to their mutual benefit, but also serve to strengthen their overall cooperation and mutual understanding. They will strive to constantly expand their commercial and economic cooperation, seek a balanced, diversified and growing trade, and explore new approaches and ways to enhance their economic and technical cooperation. They will encourage mutual investments and take necessary measures and develop new opportunities to increase markets shares in each other's country. To secure greater cooperation they will also encourage exchange of knowledge and experience in economy, science, technology, environment and other fields.

To these ends the two sides will continue to hold regular meetings of the Joint Economic Commission to ensure its effective functioning and implementation of its decisions. They will also support the work of the Turco-Chinese Business Council, encourage the business communities of the two countries to increase exchanges and cooperation.

Both being rapidly growing energy markets, the two sides will encourage and support joint exploration and cooperation in the field of energy.

Both sides believe that the restoration of the ancient Silk Road, which played an important role in promoting friendship between the two peoples and exchanges between the civilizations of East and West Asia, will facilitate friendly exchanges and commercial, political and cultural cooperation among the countries along the Road.

They will strengthen cooperation in tourism and media and encourage broader communication using up-to-date technologies so as to bring the two peoples closer. They will also encourage increased contacts in the fields of culture, arts, science and education, sports and city twinning. They will support the activities related to the protection of historical and cultural heritage and facilitate contacts and cooperation between the regions, cities, local organizations and administrations.

For the achievement of these objectives, the two sides agree to complete the appropriate legal, economic, financial and commercial framework in line with their international responsibilities.

They will provide, on the basis of reciprocity, the greatest assistance in their respective countries to each other's diplomatic, consular, business and other official representative institutions to facilitate their operation.

The two sides hold the view that the world is undergoing profound changes with a growing trend towards political multipolarity and economic globalization while there are still many factors that might lead to instability and crisis. The two sides stand ready to make new contribution to peace, stability, confidence, mutual understanding and promotion of cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations.

The two sides have confirmed that Turkey and China, both being major countries in their respective regions, share identical or similar views on a number of major international and regional issues and are committed to regional and world peace. The two sides have decided to maintain and strengthen their existing political consultation mechanism and enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs. They have also decided to monitor international economic and financial issues with a view to ensuring a stable environment for development.

The two sides confirm once again their commitment to advancing arms control and disarmament, and prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, conscious that these efforts contribute to the preservation and strengthening of international security.

Both sides confirm their resolute opposition to all kinds of terrorism regardless of its form, origin or motive. Under obligation emanating from bilateral and international agreements they have acceeded to, the two sides will increase cooperation in this field and make joint efforts to combat transnational criminal activities, including organized crimes and smuggling. They will prohibit in their territories any illegal activities as defined by their national laws, including all forms of separatism and religious extremism.

The two sides stand for the settlement of international disputes through peaceful means and oppose use of force or threat of force in handling international relations. They support the United Nations and the Security Council in playing a significant role in safeguarding world peace and security and in other areas. Both sides have stressed the importance of strictly abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

In conclusion, the two sides believe that it is important for leaders of the two countries to keep in close contact and exchange visits frequently.

President Jiang Zemin has expressed his heartfelt thanks to President Süleyman Demirel, the Government and the people of the Republic of Turkey for their warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and his entourage.