On May 1, local time, at the invitation of the Federal Government of the Kingdom of Belgium and the EU, Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Brussels for official visits to Belgium and the EU headquarters.
In a speech delivered at the Abelag airport, Li noted that significant changes had taken place in the current international political and economic situation, and that both China and Europe had entered a key phase in their respective development. China and the EU, as representatives of the Eastern and Western civilizations, enjoy cooperative and win-win relations. He said he hoped his visits would help implement the important consensus and achievements of the 14th China-EU Summit, strengthen Sino-EU ties, deepen the integration of interests of both sides, expand pragmatic cooperation, and further promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and the European people. "I hope to exchange views with European leaders on how to deepen Sino-EU ties and expand mutually beneficial cooperation under the new circumstances, so as to further push forward Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership to a new and higher level," he said.
Meanwhile, Li also hailed sustained development of Sino-Belgian ties since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, adding that frequent exchanges at top and other levels between the two countries, as well as fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, culture, science and education over the past few years, had benefited both counties and people on both sides. He said he wished to have broad and in-depth exchange of views with Belgian leaders on bilateral ties and issues of common concern during his visit in a bid to promote mutual political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation in all fields, enhance friendship between people from both sides and push forward China-Belgium friendly cooperative relations for the benefit of both peoples.
"I believe my visit here will further strengthen our confidence in the development of Sino-EU and Sino-Belgian ties, consolidate our determination to promote pragmatic cooperation, and lift Sino-EU and Sino-Belgian ties to a new level," Li said.
During his visit, he will meet with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Belgian King Albert II and Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. He will also attend a high-level urbanization forum and an energy meeting. Li will also visit leading Belgian environment-friendly enterprises, attend a signing ceremony and meet with friendly personnel.
Upon his arrival, Li was greeted at the airport by Belgian Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, senior EU officials, Ambassador Wu Hailong, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU and Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Liao Liqiang.
Li arrived here for official visits to Belgium and the EU headquarters after concluding his official visit to Hungary. Upon his departure, Li was seen off at the airport by his Hungarian counterpart Tibor Navracsics and Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gao Jian.