China, Belgium eye closer cooperation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo met here Thursday and agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Since China and Belgium established foreign relations four decades ago, the two sides have seen their mutual understanding and trust steadily increasing, said Wen.

Faced with the international financial crisis, he added, the two sides should turn the crisis into an opportunity to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and inject fresh vigor into the development of bilateral relations.

China attaches great importance to Belgium's influence within the EU and on international affairs, said Wen, adding that Beijing is ready to work with Brussels to enhance dialogues and coordination on hot-button and global issues.

In view of the current unfavorable global economic conditions, he said, China and Belgium should remain committed to keeping their markets open and jointly resist all forms of protectionism.

China welcomes more investment from Belgian enterprises, and hopes that Belgium will continue facilitating Chinese businesses' exploration in the Belgian market, Wen added.

The two countries need to step up financial cooperation so as to provide better financial services for their companies, Wen said, adding that China is willing to learn from Belgium's advanced experiences and ideas.

The Chinese premier also urged the two sides to promote cooperation and exchanges in high technology, energy conservation, environmental protection, education and culture.

Di Rupo, for his part, said China is a key partner for Belgium and his country admires China's achievements and values China's international status and influence.

Belgium, he said, is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and foster a favorable environment for Chinese investors.

He also agreed that the two countries should expand cooperation in high technology, energy conservation and environmental protection, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The Chinese premier was in Brussels for an annual China-EU summit and an official visit to Belgium.