Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to continue high-level exchanges and regular dialogues between the two countries, while expanding reciprocal cooperation and two-way opening-up.

They made the remarks when meeting the press on May 24 after a bilateral meeting.

Responding to the question concerning cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries (16+1), Premier Li said it is an integral part and supplement of China-Europe relations and will promote the development of China and CEE countries, shrink the gap within the European Union and achieve balanced development.

He said China and the EU are both supporters of multipolarization, defenders of peace and stability and advocators of free trade.

China believes that a united, stable and prosperous EU and strong euro are in line with China’s fundamental interests, he said.

The “16+1” cooperation is always operated under the framework of the China-Europe relationship and the laws and regulations of the EU, which is open and transparent, he added.

He also said China and Germany can supplement their complementary advantages with the development needs of CEE countries, expand third-party market cooperation and achieve multiple-win situations.

Merkel said the “16+1” cooperation is a beneficial cooperation platform and will help promote infrastructure construction in CEE countries, which is a positive supplement for the development of the EU and not dividing the union.

As most of the countries in the “16+1” cooperation are EU members, Germany supports that the cooperation abides by EU laws and regulations, she added.