China-CEE summit to boost bilateral co-op: Premier Li

Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday the just-concluded China-Central and Eastern European (CEE) leaders' meeting and the action guideline issued after the conference will vigorously promote China's cooperation with CEE nations. [Special coverage]

The guideline will also be conducive to European integration and the deepening of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Li told a press conference after the China-CEE summit.

He also said the guideline will a positive role in promoting China-Europe ties in a balanced and sustainable manner, and bringing tangible benefits to their peoples.

According to the premier, China and Romania have decided to set up working groups on major infrastructure cooperation projects.

China, Hungary and Serbia also announced that they have reached an agreement to jointly build a railway between Hungary and Serbia, he said.

A number of countries have also expressed interest in discussing cooperation with China in the energy sector, Li said, adding that China is willing to actively consider to import more safe and high-quality agricultural and farm products from the CEE countries.

The Chinese premier said China is willing to develop closer relations with Central and Eastern Europe on the basis of mutual respect and equality, so that they could jointly contribute to world harmony and prosperity.

Ponta, who also attended the press conference, said China is an important partner for the CEE countries, adding that bilateral cooperation is not only in line with the interests of the CEE nations, but also conducive to the development of China-Europe ties, Ponta said.

He noted that the CEE countries are willing to work together with China to implement the meeting's achievements, and expand cooperation in economy, trade, investment, agriculture, finance and infrastructure.

As China has made great achievements in the development of high-speed railway, the CEE countries are willing to launch cooperation with China in this regard, he added.

The China-CEE leaders' meeting, co-chaired by Li and Ponta, came on the heels of last week's China-EU summit in Beijing which unveiled a landmark agreement to increase two-way investment flows.

Li began his Romanian trip on Monday and was the first Chinese premier to visit the country in 19 years. It is also his first visit to the central and eastern Europe since he took office in March.