Turkey, an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, spans both sides of the Eurasian continent and has a history of relations with China that dates back thousands of years. In recent years, China and Turkey have actively supported the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative, deepening bilateral cooperation and taking significant steps to contribute to the development of both countries. This cooperation has had a positive impact on the prosperity and stability of the Eurasian region. The cooperation between China and Turkey under the “Belt and Road Initiative” has gained significant momentum and its potential continues to grow.
Infrastructure construction is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and Turkey. One of the major projects undertaken within the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative is the Istanbul New Airport metro line. Officially opened on January 22, 2023, this metro line uses trains produced in China, capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that this is the fastest metro line in Turkey. The Istanbul New Airport metro line reduces the travel time from the city center to the new airport to under half an hour, greatly enhancing the convenience of passenger transfers. Additionally, this project has introduced advanced railway infrastructure systems for the first time in Turkey, with concrete slabs precisely placed in tunnels and the railway tracks installed flawlessly on them.
Currently, work is ongoing to expand the metro line. The 69-kilometer ring line, planned for completion in 2025, will become one of the longest metro ring lines in Turkey and even the world. It will connect various regions of Turkey and provide more convenient travel options for both local residents and international travelers. These projects will not only link different regions of Turkey but also contribute to the development of trade and tourism in the Eurasian region.
China-Turkey cooperation offers significant opportunities not only in infrastructure but also in trade and other sectors. Nurten Eroğlu, vice chairman of the board of Turkish company Arzum, stated that Turkey is the world’s second-largest white goods producer after China and emphasized that Turkish brands can secure a significant share of the rapidly growing Chinese market. The integration of Turkey’s “Middle Corridor” plan with China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” will help create new Eurasian trade routes, enhancing trade between the two countries. Furthermore, the political cooperation and multilateral efforts between China and Turkey are expected to increase their influence on the international stage.
https://cn.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202412/18/WS6762684ca310b59111da9755.html