China and Turkey Deepen Ties with Increased Flights and Enhanced Cooperation

The Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, Jiang Xuebin, announced that civil aviation authorities from China and Turkey have agreed to substantially increase the number of passenger flights between the two countries. This decision follows significant progress in practical cooperation across various sectors, driven by the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Middle Corridor Initiative.

The ambassador highlighted the substantial growth in Chinese tourism to Turkey, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the number of Chinese tourists reached 409,700, representing a 65.1 percent year-on-year increase. This growth has positioned China as Turkey's fastest-growing international tourism market. Further cooperation in areas such as history, culture, arts, and archaeology is planned to attract even more Chinese visitors.

A Chinese tourist from Beijing, who recently visited Turkey, expressed enthusiasm about the planned increase in direct flights. She noted that more direct flights would allow for a more convenient travel experience and more time to enjoy the country's attractions. During her trip, she visited Istanbul, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, and was impressed by the diverse offerings of each city and the warmth of the local people.

Beyond tourism, Ambassador Jiang emphasized the positive state of bilateral relations and expressed optimism about pragmatic cooperation within the BRI framework. The alignment of the BRI and the Middle Corridor Initiative has fostered increased exchanges at all levels.

Recent developments highlight Turkey's growing role as a logistics hub. Two China-Europe freight trains arrived in Istanbul, continuing their journey to Poland and Hungary. These trains, carrying numerous containers, were welcomed by Turkish officials. The Middle Corridor offers significant time and cost savings compared to other routes, and Turkey is evolving into a hub for managing and organizing freight flows.

The Mayor of Kars, Otuken Senger, noted the city's active participation in BRI cooperation. He expressed the goal of leveraging the China-Europe Railway Express, which passes through Kars, to establish a regionally influential logistics hub. He views the BRI as a significant opportunity for Kars and emphasized the city's strategic importance in Turkey-China cooperation, particularly in railway transportation.

Last year, bilateral trade between China and Turkey reached $48.3 billion, making China Turkey's second-largest global trading partner.