China and Belgium sign cooperation deals worth $20B

World Today

China’s Premier Li Keqiang, left, meets with European Council President Donald Tusk, second right, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, at the European Council building in Brussels on Monday, June 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, Pool)

China and Belgium have signed an array of cooperation deals worth more than 18 billion euro (about $20 billion), Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a joint press conference after talking with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michele.

Li met with President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz on Monday in Brussels, Belgium. Li said he was looking forward to co-chairing the 17th China-EU leaders’ meeting with the officials of the EU and to discussing how to deepen and develop new fields and channels for mutual benefits and cooperation between China and the EU.

The issue of Greek debts crisis, which is at a critical juncture, is not only an issue concerning the EU, but also an issue concerning the China-EU relations and the whole world, Li said.

Li said that China has firmly supported the integration of Europe for a long time, and will as always work as a responsible long-term holder of European bonds. China wishes the issue of Greek debts crisis will be properly solved, Li added.

He also said that the European Parliament is playing a more important role in China-EU relations. The two sides will establish a legal affairs dialogue mechanism, which will help to improve the exchanges and understanding between the two sides.

President of European Parliament Martin Schulz said that China is an important player in promoting the balance of global economic growth, trade, regional stability, and climate change.

Schulz said that the European Parliament is glad to work with China’s lawmaking body to make contribution to further enhancing China-EU relations.

Compiled from CCTV News and Xinhua.