Vice-Premier Li hails Sino-Belgian ties

BRUSSELS - Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday hailed the relations between China and Belgium and called for efforts to lift Sino-Belgian ties to a new level.

In a meeting with Belgian Vice-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, Li said Sino-Belgian relations had witnessed vigorous development in recent years, as both sides continued to deepen mutual political trust, push ahead pragmatic cooperation and promote cultural and personnel exchanges.

China appreciates the Belgian government's adherence to the one-China policy, Li said, adding that it was to the interests of both sides to further develop bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect and trust.

He said he hoped his visit would deepen understanding between the two countries, expand cooperation and lift Sino-Belgian relations to a new level.

He said China would continue to reform and open up to the world, promote a coordinated development between the economy and society, adhere to the "people first" principle, and further improve people's livelihood.

Reynders, in the meantime, said the Belgian government would continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

He said Belgian government hoped the country could become a gateway to Europe for China, expressing a welcome for more Chinese enterprises to invest in Belgium and deepen financial cooperation between the two countries.

The Belgian government attached great importance to the role China played in the Group of 20 and other international organizations, and hoped to enhance exchange and coordination with China in global affairs, he said.