Chinese Vice-Premier Meets Belgian Deputy PMChinese vice-premier Qian Qichen met Wednesday with Louis Michel, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs."China is satisfied with the rapid progress of the development of Sino-Belgian relations over the past three decades," Qian said. This year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Relations between China and Belgium have been developing healthily in recent years, Qian said, adding that both sides have exchanged high-level visits frequently and cooperation in various fields has been fruitful. Premier Zhu Rongji will visit Belgium again to attend the Sino-European summit in the second half of this year. Zhu visited Belgium last year. This shows that China attaches great importance to the relations between the two countries, Qian said. Qian also expressed the belief that with the joint endeavors of both sides, the Sino-Belgian relations will be further developed. Michel shared Qian's opinion on the bilateral relations. China' s development has impressed him deeply, Michel said. This is Michel's first visit to China. Belgium will assume the EU's rotating presidency in the second half of this year and Michel said he will spare no effort to promote the comprehensive development of China-Europe and the Sino- Belgian relations. Qian also briefed Michel on China's attitudes toward the issue of the National Missile Defense (NMD) system and other major international issues. |
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