Chinese PM Jiabao du in Turkey today seeking stronger ties

As part of his Europe tour, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is set to arrive in Ankara today for an official visit at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bilateral relations and a number of regional and international issues of common concern are expected to dominate their talks. During Jiabao's visit, 10 agreements are expected to be signed for increased cooperation in such areas as cultural exchange programs, energy, telecommunications, transportation, and health care. Additional measures to boost bilateral ties will also be reviewed, as well as ways to improve the bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at $18 billion. Erdogan will reportedly reiterate Turkey's offer to China that the two countries make joint investments in third countries. Visiting Turkey earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Trade Minister Chen Deming said that his country is looking for investment opportunities in Turkey. Deming also said that Chinese investors are interested in the construction of a third bridge over the Bosporus, and that the Bank of China, the world's fifth-biggest bank, has plans to open a branch in Istanbul. During his stay in Turkey, Jiabao will also be received by President Abdullah Gul, and hold talks in Istanbul.