Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Brussels on April 8 for the 21st China-European Union (EU) leaders’ meeting.

Premier Li Keqiang inaugurated the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU in Brussels on April 8, extending his wish that the chamber will build up a favorable image of China.

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, the Premier said, should provide premium services for Chinese enterprises that invest in the European Union (EU), in a bid to efficiently propel China-EU cooperation in trade and investment.

Apart from underpinning Chinese companies, the chamber should also take into account any suggestions and opinions from the EU Chamber of Commerce and European enterprises, which can help foster ties between the two sides.

In the new round of international competition, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU should establish a good image for Chinese enterprises, Premier Li added.

China is willing to expand imports from Belgium of high value-added products that suit the demands of the Chinese market, Premier Li Keqiang said during a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels on April 9.

 China and the European Union (EU) reached significant consensus on bilateral ties, charted out future cooperation and voiced support for multilateralism as leaders of the two sides held an annual gathering on April 9.

Premier Li Keqiang, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker co-chaired the 21st China-EU leaders’ meeting.

Both sides agreed that they have broad common interests in deepening mutual beneficial and win-win practical cooperation, share common ground on upholding multilateralism and an open world economy as well as opposing protectionism and unilateralism, and have common goals in improving global governance and maintaining world peace and stability.

They also agreed on the great importance for China and the EU, two stabilizing forces and major economies of the world, to carry out strategic communication and cooperation.

“China and the EU reached a fruitful joint statement based on mutual respect, equal consultation and in-depth exploration,” Premier Li Keqiang said. “Just as President Juncker said, our teams worked for more than 50 hours before reaching a consensus, as it is not a declaration in general. The statement is a document that charts the course for the joint effort of both sides in the next phase, with rich content and affluent achievements.”

Premier Li made the remarks at a joint news conference with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on April 9.

“The common interests between China and the EU far outweigh the differences. As the shared interests expand, the differences will narrow. This will benefit not only the two sides but also the world,” Premier Li said.

Premier Li Keqiang and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attended the fourth EU-China Innovation Cooperation Dialogue and met with major representatives in Brussels on April 9.

Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Croatia on April 9 for an official visit to the country and the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) in the Croatian seaside city Dubrovnik.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic held a grand welcoming ceremony for visiting Premier Li Keqiang at St. Mark’s Square in Zagreb on April 10.

China is ready to enhance the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Croatia’s development strategies, Premier Li Keqiang said on April 10.

Premier Li made the remarks when holding talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in the Croatian capital of Zagreb.

On practical cooperation, Premier Li said China is ready to expand the scale of two-way trade, boost the level of two-way investment, and increase the import of Croatian specialty products that suit the demands of the Chinese market, and deepen people-to-people exchanges including culture and tourism.

“China will support its companies to participate in the construction of Croatian ports and railways in line with market principles,” Premier Li said.

Premier Li Keqiang said on April 10 in Zagreb that China is willing to enhance parliamentary exchanges with Croatia to further consolidate public support for the China-Croatia relationship and promote bilateral cooperation.

Premier Li made the remarks when meeting with Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic, adding that cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies is an important component of bilateral relations.

Premier Li Keqiang and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on April 10 that the two countries will enhance cultural and tourism cooperation.

Premier Li and Plenkovic made the remarks when speaking at the opening ceremony of the Year of Tourism between China and Croatia.

Premier Li Keqiang said on April 10 that China will insist on open tendering when carrying out infrastructure cooperation with European Union (EU) member states and will abide by the EU standards and rules.

Premier Li made the remarks during his meeting with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

On infrastructure cooperation, Premier Li said that China will ensure projects being completed with high quality, and strive for mutual benefits, win-win and all-win cooperation in this area.

In heavy rain, Premier Li Keqiang and his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic, jointly pressed a glass-ball button to start the piling of the main pier of a long-awaited Croatian bridge being built by a Chinese consortium.

“I hope the Peljesac Bridge will be an excellent high-quality project that can withstand all rains and winds,” said Premier Li after pressing the button.

Premier Li made the remarks while visiting the construction site of the bridge on the Peljesac Peninsula in southern Croatia with Plenkovic on April 11.

It is the biggest transportation infrastructural project between the two countries since they forged diplomatic ties 27 years ago. Once completed, the bridge can potentially cut a three-hour journey to just two to three minutes.

He called the bridge “a bridge of friendship” as it embodies the friendship of Chinese and Croatian peoples and is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The bridge is also “a bridge of welfare” as it will help facilitate logistics, personnel exchanges and life of local residents so as to improve the country’s social and economic development, the Premier said.

The bridge is “a model of tripartite cooperation among China, Croatia and the EU”, Premier Li said, adding that Chinese enterprises will build the bridge with the best equipment and technology and build a high-quality project.

Premier Li Keqiang said the China-Bulgaria relationship will embrace new development opportunities as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Premier Li made the remarks on April 11 at a meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Premier Li said China is willing to take the anniversary as an opportunity to hold a series of celebration activities, enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction and agricultural technologies.

China encourages more competent Chinese enterprises to participate in infrastructure projects in Bulgaria, and welcomes more exports of Bulgaria’s high-quality agricultural products to China, he said.

Noting that China is willing to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Bulgaria, the Premier said that the Sofia China Cultural Center will start operation this year, which will help further consolidate public support for stronger bilateral relations.

China supports its enterprises to invest in Serbia and participate in Serbia’s infrastructure construction in accordance with market rules and business principles, Premier Li Keqiang said on April 11.

Premier Li made the remarks when meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

The Premier said China is ready to continue cooperating with the Serbian side in trade and economy, and infrastructure construction.

He also called on the two countries to enhance personnel and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly push forward bilateral relations and cooperation for greater achievements.

Premier Li added that he hoped Serbia can play an active role in promoting Chinese exports to Europe.

Premier Li Keqiang said that China is willing to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategy of Slovenia.

Premier Li made the remarks on April 11 while meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

China is willing to further deepen cooperation in such areas as innovation, technology and small and medium-sized enterprises, the Premier said.

Premier Li Keqiang called on China and the Czech Republic to create a just and fair environment for their respective enterprises doing business in each other’s country on April 11.

Premier Li made the remarks during his meeting with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Bilateral practical cooperation enjoys a 70-year old tradition, noted the Premier, saying that China supports competent Chinese enterprises to participate in infrastructure construction projects in the Czech Republic in compliance with rules and standards of the European Union.

China is willing to work with the country to explore new cooperation patterns, make joint efforts to improve trade balance, and promote practical cooperation in industrial field and nuclear energy, among others, he said.

China expects the Czech Republic to play a constructive role in promoting China-Europe cooperation, he added.

Premier Li Keqiang and Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on April 11 that the two countries are ready to further promote cooperation and enhance bilateral ties.

The two leaders made the remarks when meeting on the sidelines of the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).

Markets of China and Slovakia are highly complementary to each other, Premier Li said, adding that China will always keep the door of its market open and welcomes Slovakia’s export of high-quality agricultural specialties.

China is willing to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategy of Slovakia and deepen cooperation in the fields of digital economy, transportation and logistics, Premier Li said.

China supports its companies in participating in Slovenia’s infrastructure construction, said Premier Li, adding that Chinese firms always strictly stick to local laws and regulations, and the two sides should ensure them a fair and non-discriminatory competition environment.

Premier Li Keqiang said China welcomes Albania’s export of specialty agricultural products to China on April 11.

Premier Li made the remarks when meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is here for the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).

Premier Li noted that China welcomes Albania to expand its export of specialty agricultural products, such as honey, olive oil and wine, to China.

China is willing to work with Albania to consolidate friendly relations, cement practical cooperation, further promote bilateral ties and benefit the two peoples, said Premier Li.

China and Albania should enhance communication to reach an agreement on mutual exemption of visas between the two countries, facilitate youth exchanges and consolidate public support for the development of bilateral relations, the Premier said.

Premier Li Keqiang called for broader and deeper economic and trade cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) on April 12.

Premier Li made the appeal when attending, together with 16 CEEC leaders, an opening ceremony of the 9th Business Forum of CEEC and China.

The Premier said that China is willing to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of other countries, uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and insist on promoting peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning, so as to push for a broader and deeper China-CEEC economic and trade cooperation.

To improve trade facilitation, the Premier called for further opening up their respective markets and simplifying customs procedures.

China will provide a green channel for CEEC exports to China and strengthen cooperation in facilitating the China-Europe land-sea express line to accelerate cross-border logistics, Premier Li said.

On nurturing new trade growth points, the Chinese premier called on China and the CEECs to further tap into trade potentials, optimize trade structure, boost trade of agricultural products, machinery and electrical products, including cars and household appliances, enhance innovation cooperation and facilitate cooperation in new industries and models.

On investment and industrial capacity cooperation, Premier Li said the Chinese government supports enterprises in their commercialized operations, and hopes that relevant countries will uphold the principles of fairness, justice and nondiscrimination and protect Chinese companies’ legitimate rights.

To further enhance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cooperation, this year’s leaders’ meeting is going to launch the Global Partnership Center of CEECs and China and a website on the China-CEEC SMEs coordination mechanism in a bid to provide more convenient services for businesses to expand investment cooperation.

On boosting connectivity, Premier Li said China encourages its enterprises to participate in infrastructure construction in the CEECs.

He also called for better financial conditions, diverse funding patterns and an active exploration of such construction modes as third-party market cooperation, joint bidding and public-private partnership.

Premier Li Keqiang met with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik on April 12, calling on both countries to step up economic cooperation.

China stands ready to enhance political mutual trust, strategic communication and pragmatic cooperation with Poland, said Premier Li.

He called on both sides to strengthen communication and coordination of the intergovernmental committee to intensify cooperation in areas of economy and trade, agriculture, aviation and infrastructure construction.

China is willing to expand import of good-quality Polish products, said the Premier, adding that China welcomes Polish enterprises to explore the Chinese market.

Premier Li Keqiang on April 12 proposed a series of measures to promote cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs).

Premier Li made the proposal when addressing the eighth China-CEEC leaders’ meeting in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

On future development of the China-CEEC cooperation, Premier Li called for jointly defending multilateral trade system, upholding such basic principle as openness, transparency, inclusiveness and nondiscrimination, and sticking to the direction of trade liberalization.

On expanding trade volume, Premier Li said China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural products from the CEECs and make it easier for such products to be exported to China.

Calling for joint efforts to build the Belt and Road, the premier said China is willing to enhance the alignment between its development strategies and those of the CEECs, stick to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and better draw on complementary advantages, so as to achieve win-win results and common prosperity.

Urging greater efforts to boost innovation cooperation, Premier Li said China is willing to work with the 16 countries to conduct joint research, expand scientific and technological exchanges, and cultivate growth points through innovation cooperation.

The Premier also stressed the importance of jointly safeguarding a fair, just and nondiscriminatory market environment.

Premier Li also called for continued efforts to promote cooperation in the fields of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial park building, adding that China and the CEECs have held cross-border matching events of SMEs, and launched a website for the SMEs coordination mechanism.

Calling for stepped-up efforts to conduct people-to-people exchanges, Premier Li said China and the CEECs should take the Year of Education and Youth Exchange as an opportunity to enhance exchanges and cooperation among universities and colleges and promote mutual understanding and friendship between young people.

Announcing that China will host the ninth China-CEEC leaders’ meeting in 2020, Premier Li said he expects CEEC leaders to attend the meeting and jointly sketch out a new blueprint for the China-CEEC cooperation.

Premier Li Keqiang and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on April 12 met the press after the eighth China-central and eastern European countries (CEEC) leaders’ meeting in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Both leaders spoke highly of the progress made in China-CEEC cooperation and called the meeting efficient, pragmatic, fruitful and successful.

Premier Li Keqiang, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic launched on April 12 a partnership center to support cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).

The Global Partnership Center of CEECs and China is an important outcome made at last year’s China-CEEC leaders’ meeting in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria. It is also an initiative of innovation within the China-CEEC cooperation framework.

Premier Li Keqiang met with Lithuania’s Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik on April 12, calling for more practical cooperation between the two countries.

He said China and Lithuania have deepened the alignment between the two countries’ development strategies within the China-CEEC cooperation framework, and that the bilateral practical cooperation has yielded abundant achievements.

China is willing to keep promoting bilateral cooperation in accordance with market principles and European Union (EU) rules, and import more of the European country’s competitive products, so as to push forward bilateral ties to a new stage, said the Premier.

Premier Li Keqiang and Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas on April 12 said the two countries are ready to enhance cooperation and boost bilateral ties.

Premier Li and Ratas made the remarks when meeting on the sidelines of the eighth leaders’ meeting between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik.

The Premier said China is willing to enhance cooperation with Estonia in the fields of e-commerce, education, innovation and digital economy, and expand imports of Estonian agricultural, livestock and marine products Chinese consumers love.

Premier Li Keqiang said on April 12 that China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Hungary, consolidate political mutual trust, and push bilateral practical cooperation forward for more progress.

Premier Li made the remarks during his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik.

He called on the two countries to enhance communication and coordination through their joint economic committee, and steadily advance large project cooperation, including the Hungarian section of the Belgrade-Budapest railway.

Premier Li said China welcomes high-quality products, including Hungary’s agricultural products, to the Chinese market, and encourages competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Hungary through open tendering.

China also supports its citizens in traveling to Hungary, and is willing to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges to further consolidate public support for stronger bilateral relations, he added.

Premier Li Keqiang met with North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik on April 12, calling on the two countries to enhance infrastructure cooperation.

China stands ready to dovetail the Belt and Road Initiative with North Macedonia’s development strategy, said Premier Li, adding that highway projects are a landmark for bilateral cooperation, which is of great significance to North Macedonia’s socio-economic development and regional connectivity.

The Premier said China is willing to work in close coordination with North Macedonia to promote transport infrastructure cooperation for greater achievements, voicing his hope for facilitation by the country to the highway construction.

Premier Li Keqiang said on April 12 that China is willing to enhance cooperation with Montenegro in economy, trade, investment, clean energy as well as transport infrastructure.

Premier Li made the remarks during his meeting with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Dusko Markovic at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik.

He encouraged businesses of the two countries to conduct negotiations based on market-oriented principles.

China hopes to achieve steady and positive progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation and join Montenegro in gaining further development of bilateral friendship and cooperation, said the Premier.

Premier Li Keqiang said on April 12 China is willing to join Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in promoting their all-round cooperation.

Premier Li made the remarks while meeting with Denis Zvizdic, chairman of BiH’s Council of Ministers at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik.

He said China stands ready to work with BiH to enhance all-round cooperation, share development experience, explore new cooperation modes, and make good use of market rules, so as to make sure that cooperation projects between the two countries are sustainable.

The Premier called on the two sides to enhance transport infrastructure construction cooperation, and to work together to promote cooperation between their respective enterprises, particularly that of small and medium-sized firms.

China welcomes more of BiH’s agricultural exports that are suitable for the Chinese market, he added.

Premier Li Keqiang met with Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila at the southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik on April 13, calling on the two countries to enhance practical cooperation and boost bilateral ties.

China is willing to enhance cooperation with Romania in such areas as nuclear energy, major projects, finance, agriculture and traditional Chinese medicine, Li said.

The Premier also expressed support for competitive Chinese companies to participate in bidding on Romanian projects in an open and transparent manner.

China is willing to increase imports of high-quality agricultural products from Romania, said the Premier.

Premier Li Keqiang arrived back in Beijing on April 13 after attending the 21st China-EU leaders’ meeting, the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and completing an official visit to Croatia.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marija Pejcinovic Buric and other senior officials saw him off at the airport.