China-CEE cooperation not intend to divide Europe: Premier Li

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Europe

00:50

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the cooperation between China and the 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries will not divide Europe but contribute to China-Europe relations, dismissing the allegation that the "16+1 cooperation" is to weaken the EU.

The China-CEE cooperation will not only contribute to China and CEE countries' growth and prosperity but also narrow the gap within the EU, Li told reporters after a summit with CEE leaders in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia on Saturday.

There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Europe, Li said, denying that China-CEE cooperation is based on geopolitical and strategic calculation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks during a news conference at the 7th Summit of Heads of Government of CEEC and China in Sofia, Bulgaria, July 7, 2018. /Reuters Photo

China supports the unity of the European Union and the China-CEE platform will only contribute to China-EU cooperation and to the unity of the EU, Li stressed.

China looks forward to seeing countries among the 16 joining the EU at scheduled timetable, he added.

The Chinese premier said Beijing hopes to see a united and prosperous Europe.

EU is an important pillar in the multipolar world system and an important contributor to world peace and stability, Li said.

Beijing hopes to deepen cooperation with all European countries, he added.

The premier also called for deeper mutual understanding and trust, as well as mutual benefits with the 16 CEE countries.

A quick look at China-CEE countries 16+1 cooperation

Li said the "16+1 cooperation" will abide by international norms and business rules as well as EU legal framework and rules.

The "16+1 cooperation" is transparent, he stressed, adding that he will discuss the mechanism when he hosts European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker for the China-EU Summit later this month.

Li's words were echoed by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at the joint press conference.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang shakes hands with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at the 7th Summit of Heads of Government of CEEC and China in Sofia, Bulgaria, July 7, 2018. /Reuters Photo

China and CEE countries also signed a series of deals, ranging from agriculture, railway, banking and finances to health and medicine.

Li and Borissov inaugurated the first agricultural demonstration zone of the "16+1 cooperation."

Li arrived in Bulgaria on Thursday for an official visit to the country and the seventh meeting of heads of government of China and 16 CEE countries in Sofia.

He will later travel to Berlin for the fifth round of intergovernmental consultations between China and Germany.