Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Publishing Group, speaks during a seminar on China-Turkey cultural exchanges in Istanbul, Turkey, Oct. 18, 2019. The participants in a seminar on China-Turkey cultural exchanges in Istanbul on Friday voiced their confidence in closer bond and cooperation between the two countries in the days ahead. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)
ISTANBUL, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The participants in a seminar on China-Turkey cultural exchanges in Istanbul on Friday voiced their confidence in closer bond and cooperation between the two countries in the days ahead.
The event was organized to mark the seventh anniversary of the Turkish version of China Today, a monthly published now in eight languages in more than 150 countries and regions.
"China Today has been presenting our readers with a better understanding of China," said Yasemin Gebes, executive committee member of the Turkuvaz Media Group which has been cooperating with China Today over the past seven years on its Turkish version.
"It guides business people who want to invest in China and those who want to learn about China," she remarked.
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkish minister of culture and tourism, does not see the growing Chinese arrivals in his country as a mere economic activity.
"We know how important it is to bring countries closer," he said, adding that "China and Turkey have been developing a strategic alliance within the framework of the Belt and Road Project launched by China. The two countries are increasing their cooperation in all areas, especially in the fields of energy, economy, culture and transportation."
Ismail Gulle, chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, spoke of the efforts to "improve our trade volume with China."
"In that perspective, we are conducting multi-faceted projects and supporting the new Silk Road project," he said. "We also encourage the expansion of trade cooperation between China and Turkey and the creation of new opportunities."
Cui Wei, Chinese consul general in Istanbul, said that more platforms for cultural exchanges like the Confucius Institute have been established in Turkey, which in turn have helped to advance the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Hu Baomin, president of China Today, said the role of media outlets is growing in both societies, as they are tasked with presenting positively and objectively what their readers think about the other country so as to promote understanding, friendship and trust between the Chinese and Turkish peoples.
Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Publishing Group to which China Today belongs, voiced readiness to work more toward better understanding, exchanges and mutual learning between China and Turkey as his institute is trying to better present to the world a China that has entered the new era.
