Wen's visit to deepen China-EU ties
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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 Oct. 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 Oct. 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.
