Chinese, Belgian PMs Hold Talks in Brussels

Chinese Premier Meets with Belgian King Albert II

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Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt exchanged views on further promotion of bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern during their talks Thursday morning in Brussels.

After a meeting between the Chinese premier and Belgian King Albert II in royal palace of Laeken, the two premiers held the formal talks with ministers from both governments.

During the talks, Zhu said that his visit just a year after his previous one to Belgium and on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between the countries, demonstrated the importance China attached to its friendly relationship with Belgium. Both countries should take this opportunity to push bilateral ties to a new high, he added.

Zhu expressed the hope that two sides maintain the momentum of high level visits and exchanges on various levels, strengthen consultations and cooperation in international affairs. He said that there was no direct conflict of interests between the two countries, and on the contrary, both share common interest in maintaining world peace and promoting development.

The premier said that both countries should support each other and closely cooperate in the multi-lateral institutions of the United Nations, strengthen consultation and coordination on such issues as environmental protection, the fight against illegal immigration and transnational crimes as well as prevention of AIDS.

Zhu also holds that both countries should further tap the potential for economic and trade cooperation. He said China's 10th Five-Year Plan and its strategy to develop its western regions provides Belgian entrepreneurs with even more chances for investing in China.

The premier expressed the hope that both countries should strengthen cultural exchanges, which will enhance the understanding of the two peoples.

Verhofstadt shared Zhu's views and said that his government attaches great importance to cooperation with China in various fields, hoping to strengthen consultation and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.

Belgium will send a large economic and trade delegation on an inspection mission to China's western regions in hope of participating in the construction of China's west, the prime minister said.

The prime minister also said Belgium and China have already achieved a lot in jointly fighting against illegal immigration. He hoped that cooperation in this regard will be enhanced in the future.

Verhofstadt has accepted Premier Zhu's invitation to visit China and his visit will take place next year.

Following the meeting, Zhu and his Belgian counterpart met reporters and answered their questions at the Egmont Palace in downtown Brussels.

In the evening, Zhu accompanied by Verhofstadt attended the opening ceremony of a picture exhibition in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sino-Belgian diplomatic ties, and after that they watched a documentary film featuring the diplomatic relations between the two countries.