Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is continuing his visit to Turkey. During meetings with Turkish officials, the two sides discussed trade cooperation and the unfolding situation in the Middle East. Vice President Xi stressed issues that concerned core interests of both nations.

As the door opens, so do the opportunities. Earlier on Tuesday, Xi Jinping met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and made a four-point proposal to further develop relations between the two nations.

Vice President Xi said China encourages high-level exchanges between the two countries and also supports an increase in Turkish imports and investment. He said China has also supported Turkey's active role in international and regional affairs.

After the talks, the two attended a signing ceremony on economic and trade cooperation.

At a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey's largest city Istanbul, Xi urged officials to prevent 'East Turkistan' forces from conducting anti-China separatist activities on its territory.

For his part, Erdogan reiterated that Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Turkey firmly opposes any person on its territory undertaking any activity detrimental to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Regarding the Sino-Turkish relationship, the Vice President said that mutual support on issues related with the other's core interests is the cornerstone of relations. Xi made the remarks while meeting with Turkey's Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek, during which he praised Turkey's growing role in trying to resolve "hot issues" such as the Iranian nuclear dispute and conflicts in the Middle East.

Also on Tuesday, Xi Jinping visited the mausoleum of the republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Turkey is the last leg of Vice President Xi's three-nation tour, which has already taken him to the United States and Ireland.

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