Premier Li Keqiang on July 5 arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria, for a visit to the Eastern European country.

This is the first visit by a Chinese premier in 18 years, and the first stop of Premier Li’s first visit to Europe after the formation of the new Chinese government in March.

Ahead of his visit, Premier Li wrote a signed article entitled “New Beginning, New Vision and New Journey” for mainstream Bulgarian newspapers, 24 Chasa and Standard, expressing his delight in the visit.

During his visit to Bulgaria, the two sides will exchange views on bilateral cooperation in various fields, while several cooperative documents will be signed.

Premier Li will also attend the seventh leaders’ meeting of China and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) in Sofia.

Following the meeting, he will fly to Berlin to visit Germany and chair the fifth round of intergovernmental consultations between China and Germany.

In Germany, Premier Li will meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and hold talks with German Chancellor Merkel.

The leaders of China and Germany will exchange views on promoting pragmatic and innovative cooperation, giving full play to the positive and leading role of China-Germany cooperation in China-Europe relations.