Xi satisfied with development of China-Belgium ties

BEIJING, June 24 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday voiced his satisfaction with the development of the relationship between China and Belgium.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium on Wednesday afternoon at Yingtai in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing.

This was the second meeting between Xi and Philippe during the latter's state visit to China. On Tuesday, Xi held talks with the king at the Great Hall of the People.

During Wednesday's meeting, Xi spoke highly of the contribution the royal family has made to the bilateral relations.

Hailing Philippe's visit, Xi said the two nations are developing steadily toward all-round friendship.

"I'm satisfied with the China-Belgium relationship," Xi said, highlighting political trust, two-way trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Briefing Philippe on modern China, Xi said China's history, culture, traditions, and national conditions determine that it must follow a path suitable for itself.

Xi said China has developed socialism with Chinese characteristics over decades of reform and opening up.

As China sticks to the path of peaceful development, it holds the responsibility to promote world peace, stability and development, said the president.

Philippe said he is impressed by his visit, during which he has seen great changes and felt the immense potential for Belgium-China cooperation.

Earlier on Wednesday, Philippe laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing.

Earlier the same day, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited Beijing Experimental School for the Deaf, and the People's Liberation Army Academy of Art.