The key facts

  • The meeting between Erdogan and Han Zheng took place in Antalya on the sidelines of the COP31 leaders' summit
  • Erdogan highlighted investments, energy, trade and tourism as key areas of cooperation
  • The Turkish leader proposed linking the Middle Corridor with the Belt and Road Initiative and the Development Road project

Meeting in Antalya on the Sidelines of the Climate Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Antalya on Wednesday. Both politicians are in the Turkish city to attend the COP31 leaders' summit — the UN climate change conference. According to Turkey's Directorate of Communications, the meeting was devoted to bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues.

Ankara's Priorities: Investments, Energy, Trade, Tourism

Erdogan emphasized the importance of accelerating cooperation between the two countries and named the areas where ties could be strengthened first of all: investments, energy, trade and tourism. He stated Turkey's readiness to take the necessary steps to develop interaction.

Transport Initiatives as a Point of Connection

The transport and logistics agenda became a separate topic. Erdogan noted that the Middle Corridor could be linked with China's Belt and Road Initiative. According to him, the potential for cooperation that arises when considering both initiatives together with the Development Road project represents a significant opportunity for both countries. No specific agreements or signed documents resulting from the meeting were reported.