China-Europe strategic plan unprecedented: Li

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Thursday described as "unprecedented" a plan for bilateral cooperation between China and Europe.

China's Premier Li Keqiang (C) speaks next to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy (L) and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (R) during a joint news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 21, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

"The plan is unprecedented in its breadth of content, ranging from aerospace and counter-piracy to urbanization and energy," Li told reporters after a 90-minute meeting with European leaders at the Great Hall of the People, attended by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Li called the plan a "roadmap"for China-Europe cooperation until 2020, and said that China and Europe would also start talks on a bilateral investment protocol.

The two sides will also discuss the feasibility of a free-trade agreement and work towards the goal of increasing bilateral trade to one trillion US dollars by 2020.

"All these moves will significantly boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation, " Li said

Both sides agreed to keep their markets open, oppose protectionism and deal with trade disputes through dialogue and friendly consultation. They will work more closely on transportation and infrastructure, cooperate on science and technological innovation, while developing new energy sources and materials together.

Following the summit, Li, Rompuy and Barroso witnessed the signing of three deals on energy, intellectual property rights and agri-technology.