Premier Wen arrives in Brussels to visit EU headquarters

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-30 10:30

BRUSSELS -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Brussels on Thursday evening for an official visit to the European Union (EU) headquarters.

The premier was welcomed at the Brussels international airport by European Commission officials, Belgian Foreign Ministry officials, officials of the Chinese mission to the EU and the Chinese embassy in Belgium, as well as Chinese students studying in Belgium.

In a written statement distributed to the press upon his arrival, Wen said the world is undergoing profound changes with a volatile international situation, more regional conflicts and a spreading financial crisis.

In this context, to enhance dialogue, promote consultations and deepen cooperation is in the interests of both China and the EU, and in line with the trend of the times, which is for peace, stability and development, he said.

Wen said he is looking forward to having frank and in-depth exchange of views with EU leaders on China-EU relations, on how to jointly deal with the global financial crisis, and on other international and regional issues of common concern.

"I hope and believe that this visit, as an important trip of confidence, will enhance the confidence of China and the EU in their future relations and in practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. I also hope and believe that this visit will enhance the confidence of the international community in the all-round strategic partnership between China and the EU," he said.

During his two-day visit in Brussels, Wen is scheduled to hold talks with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. He will also meet EU foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana.

Brussels is the third leg of Wen's European tour after Switzerland, where he attended the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, and Germany. The trip will also take him to Spain and Britain.