Premier Li Keqiang shakes hands with guests at the Sixth China and Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Riga, Latvia on Saturday.Provided to chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday put forward four principles guiding the "16+1" cooperation mechanism with central and eastern European (CEE) countries.

During his keynote speech at the Sixth China and Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum in the Latvian capital of Riga, Li said that over the past five years, the "16+1" cooperation has become more mature and productive, making new progress and achievements every year.

The principles that contributed to its success should be reaffirmed and upheld, he noted.

First, he said, based on the principle of equal consultation, mutual respect and mutual assistance, China and CEE countries should extend understanding and support to each other and refrain from imposing one's own will on the other side.

Second, Li called on China and CEE countries to seek mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, saying they should bring into full play their respective advantages, complement and learn from each other.

The Chinese premier pointed out openness and inclusiveness as the third principle for the "16+1" cooperation mechanism.

The "16+1" cooperation is a component and useful supplement to cooperation between China and the European Union, he said, adding that it does not exclude any third party.

Fourth, China and CEE countries should stick to the principle of interconnected development, joint contribution and shared benefits, he said.

The "16+1" cooperation requires the participation of each country, and as a group, China and CEE countries should seek to create synergies among their development strategies and pursue innovation-driven development, Li said.

Li is currently in the Baltic country for an official visit and a leaders' meeting within what is known as the "16+1" framework, which groups China and 16 CEE nations.

Li's trip marks the first time for a Chinese premier to visit Latvia since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Baltic country is the third leg of his ongoing eight-day Eurasia tour, which has already taken him to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and will conclude in Russia.