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Premier to attend summits in Europe

By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-02 07:45

BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao will begin his tour to four European countries on Saturday to further enhance economic ties with the European Union.

Full Coverage:  Premier Wen's European Tour Related readings:  Wen's visit to Greece to deepen partnership  Wen to meet with European financial leaders  Wen to visit four nations, attend 8th ASEM  Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to attend ASEM meet

The eight-day trip will include visits to Greece, Italy and Turkey, as well as a stop in Belgium for the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting and the 13th China-EU Summit.

In Athens, Wen's first port of call, discussions will focus on how to address Greece's financial problems. The two countries will also issue a joint statement on enhancing their strategic partnership.

During an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said his country is changing and able to succeed in its battle against the current economic crisis.

"Greece is a credible country, credible to its creditors, and we have been on target with our program, which shows that we can get through these difficult times and show the world that we can be successful," he said.

He also said Greece firmly supports China and the EU deepening their strategic partnership.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan was quoted as saying that Wen's visit will once again send a clear signal to the world that China has made a vote of confidence in Greece's economic prospects and has offered practical measures to support Greece, the euro zone and the EU in recovering from the economic crisis.

China has already extended a helping hand to Greece by agreeing to make substantial investments in the country. Vice-Foreign Minister Fu Ying said earlier that China approved of the austerity measures adopted by Greece in return for an emergency loan from the EU and the International Monetary Fund. During his visit to Athens, Premier Wen will also make a speech to the Greek Parliament on China's relations with Greece and the EU.

He Wei contributed to the story.