China to deepen cooperation with Belgium

Belgium's King Philippe (R) meets with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium, Jan 27, 2014. (Xinhua)

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Belgium in various fields, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Monday during his one-day visit to the country.

Belgium is an important partner of China, and the two countries maintain friendly relations, Yang said when meeting with King Philippe of Belgium.

China is willing to deepen the bilateral pragmatic cooperation with Belgium in such fields as investment, trade, agriculture, environment and ecotechnology, so as to bring more tangible benefits to the peoples in both countries, Yang said.

He stressed that the two countries would maintain high-level visits, and push forward the development of bilateral relations.

He also called for more people-to-people exchanges in such fields as youth, tourism, culture and education.

King Philippe said that Belgium attached great importance to developing its relations with China, and was willing to work with China in strengthening pragmatic cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.

Belgium appreciated China's determination and courage in deepening reforms, he stressed.

He expressed gratitude for China's support for the European integration process and its dealing with the debt crisis.

He said he was willing to play an active role within the EU in promoting the continuous development of EU-China relations.

Yang also met with Belgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Didier Reynders.