Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has agreed with Serbian, Estonian and Latvian presidents, as well as Samoan prime minister, to advance cooperation further.

Li met those state leaders separately on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the Summer Davos 2018, which is currently underway in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

During his talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Li said the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia is continuously growing. China is willing to support Serbia, expand the common interests between the two, coordinate better with each other on development strategies, set good examples of cooperation in areas such as the building of infrastructure facilities and collaborating in industrial capacity, Li stressed.

Li also highlighted the necessity of improving the 16+1 cooperation mechanism, saying it will add new growth momentum to both China and Serbia's, as well as the region's, economic development.

Vucic said Serbia highly appreciates its bilateral ties with China, adding that it is willing to learn from China about the latter's experience on development, and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China across the board. 

While meeting with Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Premier Li first congratulated him on the centenary of his country's declaration on the restoration of independence, calling Latvia China's "good friend" and "good partner" in the Baltic Sea region.

Li continued to say that China is willing to push forward the Belt and Road Initiative on the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, reinforce cooperation in infrastructure and logistics to increase the connectivity between Asia and Europe.

Li also stressed the significance of starting the collaboration with third-party markets and maintaining closer people-to-people exchanges with Latvia.

Vejonis said the China-Latvia relations share a long history, and the two countries are closely working with each in different fields such as trade, tourism and culture. 

He also said Latvia expects to break new grounds with China in areas like infrastructure facilities, transportation and logistics, technology and innovation and sports. 

During the talks between Li and Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, the two sides reached consensus on strengthening cooperation under the 16+1 cooperation mechanism. 

Premier Li encouraged Estonia to work with China in fields like connectivity, oil and energy, wood processing and E-commerce, among others. 

Kaljulaid echoed the premier's proposals, saying Estonia is also willing to reinforce cooperation in culture and tourism with China. 

Li also met with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Li said China is willing to work with Samoa under the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen cooperation with the latter in ports and tourism.

He also emphasized that China attaches importance to legitimate demands raised by Pacific Island nations in their dealing with climate change, and promised to effectively carry forward the Paris Agreement. 

The Samoan prime minister thanked China for its long-time support and help, saying the Belt and Road Initiative is beneficial for the advancement of trade, tourism, and culture. 

He stressed that he looks forward to the signing of the memorandum of understanding with China and building a closer strategic partnership with the country. 

(Cover: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang shakes hands with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Tianjin, China, September 19, 2018. /CGTN Screenshot)