Premier Li Keqiang attends the two-day 10th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Milan on Oct 16, 2014. The focus of the meeting is to develop closer Asia-Europe connectivity that calls for improved cooperation in such areas as trade, investment and services.

The Premier was expected to elaborate on the concept of a new “Silk Road Economic Belt” during the meeting. Premier Li met with the president of the European Council -- Herman Van Rompuy -- and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso ahead of the meeting. The three leaders agreed to speed up negotiations on an investment treaty.