BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese side stands ready to conduct in-depth vaccine cooperation with Turkey and help it defeat the COVID-19 pandemic at an early date, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday in a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Xi pointed out that since last year, the practical cooperation between China and Turkey has yielded encouraging results, showing strong resilience and great potential.

The close cooperation between the two sides in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new highlight in bilateral relations, Xi said.

Noting that China and Turkey are about to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Xi said the Chinese side is willing to work with Turkey to promote greater development of China-Turkey strategic cooperative relations.

Xi emphasized that both sides should respect each other’s core concerns and enhance strategic mutual trust.

China supports Turkey in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in taking a development path in line with its own national conditions, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to strengthen cooperation with Turkey in anti-terrorism, security and other fields.

Xi called on the two sides to promote synergy between joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor project of Turkey, explore new ideas and measures to optimize bilateral trade structure, and improve economy and trade cooperation so as to push for more fruitful results in their practical cooperation.

Both sides should jointly oppose labelling the virus and politicizing origin tracing, and promote the building of a global community of health for all, Xi added.

For his part, Erdogan once again congratulated the Communist Party of China on its centennial.

He said that this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and China, which is of special significance for both countries.

Turkey attaches importance to developing relations with China, and is willing to have close contacts with China and look to the future, jointly build the Belt and Road, and expand practical cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and infrastructure, Erdogan said, adding that Turkey welcomes investment cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

Expressing appreciation for China’s invaluable support in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, Erdogan said the safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines have won recognition and trust worldwide, and Turkey hopes to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China.

Turkey has and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy firmly, he said.

Turkey also supports China in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in combating terrorism, he said, adding that his country does not allow anyone to use Turkish territory to engage in separatist activities that endanger China’s sovereignty.