Chinese Premier's visit to Tajikistan, Netherlands, Belgium to intensify cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Tajikistan city of Dushanbe, pay official visits to Tajikistan and the Netherlands, attend the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Brussels and pay a working visit to Belgium, from Oct. 11 to 19.

Li's upcoming visit will be of great importance in underlining cooperation among SCO members, the Asia-Europe partnership and Chinese relations with Tajikistan, the Netherlands and Belgium, according to Foreign Ministry officials at a press briefing on Tuesday

During the SCO heads of government meeting, Li will explain Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and share the successful experience of China's reform and opening up, according to Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui.

"Li will call for opposition to unilateralism and protectionism, building an open world economy and a community with a shared future for SCO," Zhang said.

Zhang said that Li would exchange views with SCO leaders on areas including the Belt and Road, trade cooperation and industrial capacity.

"A joint statement and documents concerning cooperation and development of the SCO are expected to be signed during the meeting," Zhang said.

"This will be Li's first time to visit Tajikistan. The bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership will go deeper," he said.

He said the Central Asian country is an important partner of China in law enforcement and joint construction of the Belt and Road.

"Li will discuss with Tajikistan leaders on development of bilateral ties under the new situation, the Belt and Road construction, and important international and regional issues. The two sides will sign documents on trade, customs, and local cooperation," said Zhang.

As for Li's visit to the Netherlands and Belgium, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said it would "further enhance political trust and pragmatic cooperation, and inject new impetus to China-Netherlands, China-Belgium, and China-Europe ties."

Saying China's relations with the Netherlands have maintained "strong momentum," Wang hailed the two countries' cooperation on the Belt and Road, and closer people-to-people exchanges.

"Premier Li Keqiang will have an in-depth exchange of views with leaders of the Netherlands on bilateral ties, China-Europe relations, and international and regional issues of common concern," Wang said.

"The two sides will sign cooperation documents on customs, aviation, energy and finance."

Belgium, as a founding member of the European Union (EU), is also home to the EU headquarters.

"Ever since China and Belgium established their all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation in 2014, mutual exchanges and cooperation have ushered in a new era with comprehensive and speedy development," Wang said.

Calling China and the EU "important economies" and "significant strategic powers" in the world, Wang said they share common interests and similar positions on championing free trade, multilateralism, and global governance.

"Stronger cooperation among China, the EU and its members will consolidate world stability and development, and contribute to the global economic recovery," Wang said.

The 12th ASEM summit, to be held in Brussels and themed "Europe and Asia: global partners and global challenges," is expected to gather Asian and European leaders.

"The ASEM serves as an important platform for Asia-Europe cooperation and a key bond to deepen their partnership," Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Jun told the reporters.

"Asia and Europe will take the opportunity of the summit to make joint efforts in safeguarding multilateralism and international order based on international laws and rules, so as to contribute to world peace, development and stability," Zhang said.

He said Li is scheduled to deeply communicate with Asian and European leaders, deliver a speech, and call on all sides to intensify partnership and combat common challenges.

"Li will also propose China's initiatives on Asia-Europe cooperation and share views on international and regional hotspot issues," Zhang said.

He said China would work with all parties to make the summit successful.

He said China anticipates increased political trust and stronger partnership on the basis of mutual respect, equal dialogue and consensus, a stronger voice to protect multilateralism, and pragmatic cooperation through building of the Belt and Road.

"China is willing to share opinions with relevant parties on the future directions of Asia-Europe cooperation, map out long-term plans, and take tangible actions, to elevate Asia-Europe cooperation to a new height," he said.