Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said in Ankara on Monday that Turkey attaches great importance to developing its ties with China.

Sezer made the remark during a meeting with Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

Sezer said that although Turkey and China are far apart, Turkey has been following developments in China, adding Turkey and China have had good cooperation in military and other fields in recent years.

He pointed out that the Turkish government respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying that Ankara firmly pursues the one-China policy.

For his part, Xu said development of friendly and cooperative ties between China and Turkey serves the interests of the people of the two countries.

There are frequent exchanges of visits between leaders of the two countries in recent years and bilateral cooperation has been fruitful, he said.

Xu thanked Sezer for Turkey's adherence to the one-China policy, saying that China values its relations with Turkey. China hopes to further develop cooperation with Turkey in various fields, he said.

Earlier in the day, Xu also held talks with General Hilmi Ozkok, chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. Xu arrived in Ankara late Sunday for a four-day visit to Turkey.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)