Wen outlines proposals on building closer ties

WARSAW - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao put forward a four-point proposal Thursday on further promoting relations and deepening cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries.

The two sides should respect and equally treat each other, and address major concerns of the other side so as to deepen their political mutual trust, Wen said at the China-Central and Eastern European leaders' meeting.

The meeting, which gathered leaders from 16 Central and Eastern European countries, is the first of its kind in history, he said.

The Chinese premier called for strengthened economic and trade cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European nations.

The two sides should establish and perfect a working mechanism and an exchange platform as soon as possible, and specify the priorities for their cooperation, Wen said.

He also appealed for closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges, especially those between the youth and media.

Finally, the Chinese leader hoped the two sides will make joint efforts to inject new vitality for the development of China-Europe relations.

China and the Central and Eastern European countries should all together grasp opportunities and confront challenges facing them, and strive to become a good friend and partner for each other, he said.

Appreciating Wen's proposal, the Central and Eastern European leaders said they see great potential and a bright future in their cooperation with China, which they called an important partner.

The Central and Eastern European countries are willing to play a positive role in further developing the EU-China strategic partnership.

Wen started his visit to Poland on Wednesday. Poland is the last leg of his four-nation Europe tour. He has visited Iceland and Sweden, and attended the Hannover Messe, a world's leading industrial fair in Germany.