BEIJING, March 8 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe later this month will open a new chapter in China-Europe relations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary session, Wang said Europe is in a priority place on China's diplomatic agenda.

He said cooperation is the keyword in China-Europe ties.

"Cooperation between China and Europe will make the world safer, more balanced, a better place," he said.