Premier Wen's Europe Visit to Deepen China-EU Ties

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying said Tuesday Premier Wen Jiabao's Europe trip aims to promote the two sides' comprehensive strategic relationship.

Fu made the remarks at a press briefing at which she and Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun briefed the press about Wen's upcoming visit to Europe.

Wen will pay an official visit to Greece, Belgium, Italy and Turkey from October 2 to 9 at the invitations of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Wen will attend the eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the 13th China-European Union (EU) summit from October 4 to 6 as guest of European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

The Greece visit is the first by a Chinese premier in 24 years. During his stay, Wen will meet George Papandreou and discuss China-Greece relations. The two leaders will also witness the signing of several cooperation agreements. Wen will also deliver a speech in the Greek parliament on China-Greece relations and China-EU relations.

"Coping with the financial crisis will be an important topic for talks between Wen and Greek leaders. We have a positive attitude about the measures taken by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. We have noticed that the Greek government has adopted measures which have been effective. We hope Greece will recover soon from the difficulties," Fu said.

Speaking highly of the role Belgium has played in promoting China-EU relations during its rotating presidency, Fu said China-EU relations will be on the top agenda of Wen's meeting with Belgian leaders.

Wen will hold talks with Yves Leterme and meet King Albert II. The two countries will also sign deals on nuclear energy.

During Wen's visit to Italy, he will have talks with Silvio Berlusconi and meet President of the Italian Senate Renato Schifani, and President of the Chamber of Deputies Gianfranco Fini. Premier Wen will also attend the opening ceremony of the Chinese Culture Year.

"There are lots of cooperation programs between China and Italy, especially in technology, environmental protection and trade. The two countries will sign some new deals during Wen's visit and some documents to map out future cooperation," Fu said.

According to Zhai, Wen will hold talks with Recep Tayyip Erdogan and meet Turkish President Abdullah Gul during his visit to Turkey from October 7 to 9.

He will also meet people from business circles and hold seminars with people from cultural circles.

"China-Turkey relations have witnessed smooth development, and the two countries cooperate fruitfully in many areas. Cooperation in such areas as investment, transportation and energy are progressing steadily. The two countries also carry out frequent exchange between governments, parliaments, local governments and non-governmental organizations," Zhai said.

He said China and Turkey are two important developing countries, which share a broad common interest in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

China hopes Wen's visit will help the two countries map out a blueprint for the future development of bilateral relations.

As for the eighth ASEM, Fu said it is an informal, trans-regional platform for dialogue and cooperation.

The ASEM summit, under the theme "Quality of Life: Achieving Greater Well-being and More Dignity for all Citizens," will focus on global finance and economic governance, sustainable development, and social and cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.

The upcoming ASEM Summit will also admit three new members Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

Fu said Wen will propose a series of initiatives during the ASEM summit.

She said China expects the ASEM summit to promote a balanced and sustainable recovery in the world economy.

China also hopes the meeting will step up climate change efforts and safeguard the peace and stability of Asia and Europe, she said.

As for the 13th China-EU summit, the first one between Chinese and EU leaders since the Lisbon Treaty took effect, Fu said China hopes the summit will be a new starting point for China-EU relations.