Premier Li's visit to inject impetus to China-Europe ties

China hopes to jointly voice support for an open economy, free trade and investment, global and regional peace and stability with Germany, the European Union and Belgium during Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Europe.

Li is scheduled to visit Germany and Belgium from the coming Wednesday to Friday, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said at a press briefing on Saturday.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic relations. During Li's visit to Germany, he is scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and attend the annual meeting between Chinese premier and German chancellor.

Li and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also be present at a China-Germany innovation forum, said Wang.

According to Wang, Li will attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Belgium, together with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and the two sides will exchange in-depth views on China-EU relations as well as regional and global issues of common concern.

Li is scheduled to attend a series of activities in Brussels, including a China-EU business summit, a China-EU dialogue on innovation cooperation, and activities marking the China-EU year of tourism, among others, said Wang.

Also in Brussels, Li will meet with Belgian King Philippe and hold talks with Prime Minister Charles Michel. Li and Michel will attend a new car exhibition by Geely-Volvo and witness the signing of a series of documents on bilateral cooperation.

"The economies of China and Belgium are highly complementary," said Li Chenggang, China's assistant commerce minister. He said the two sides have great potential for cooperation in many fields, such as chemical engineering, food, finance, microelectronics, bio-pharmaceuticals, environmental protection and bio science.

China and the EU share broad common interests and a similar stand on free trade and investment and global economic governance, said Wang, adding that this visit will contribute to enhancing strategic communication and coordination, increase political mutual trust and inject new impetus into relationships.