Chinese Premier Meets Belgian King

Chinese Premier Meets Belgian King

Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met Monday with Belgian King Albert II and he told the king that Sino-Belgian relations is better than ever.

During the meeting, they had cordial and friendly talks. The Belgian king said his country has satisfied with the development of relations between Belgium and China, particularly in recent years when both sides have been making progress in developing the friendly ties and cooperation.

King Albert II told Zhu that Belgium attaches great importance to China's major international standing. He said his country will uphold one China policy and not develop any official contacts with Taiwan.

After conveying Chinese President Jiang Zemin's kind greetings to the King, Zhu said there has been 30-year diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. The Chinese government is happy to see the bilateral ties showing increasingly good development momentum, in particular in the past few years, he said.

Recalling the recent China visit by Belgian Prince Philips who led a Belgian business delegation, the Chinese premier said the visit has further enhanced Sino-Belgian economic and trade relations.

The premier said the two countries have had good cooperation in many fields such as science and technology, education as well as culture. The bilateral ties will be certain to have greater advance under the concerted efforts made by both the Chinese and Belgian governments and the king's care and concern, Zhu said.

The Chinese Premier today also attended a luncheon hosted by Belgian Prince Philips. He expressed his appreciation for the prince's contribution to the development of Sino-Belgian relations.