Li to stress China's commitment to opening-up

World
Europe

02:32

Against the backdrop of global uncertainties, rising protectionism, and unilateralism, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visits to Tajikistan, the Netherlands and Belgium are set to deliver a stronger message that the country will stay committed to opening-up and free trade.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the media on Tuesday at a press conference.

Premier Li will attend the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe during his official visit to the country, pay an official visit to the Netherlands and attend the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Belgium during his working visit to Brussels from October 11 to 19.

The tour is being made at the invitation of Tajikistan Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, EU Council President Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Li's trip is expected to promote the development of the SCO and boosting infrastructure connectivity and economic cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui said the premier would be looking to implement the agreements reached at the leaders' meeting in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao in June. The Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said the Europe visit would play an important role in sustaining the development of China's relations with Belgium, the Netherlands and the European Union.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Jun said the international community attached great importance to the Asia-Europe Meeting, a gathering which aims to deepen cooperation between the two continents, safeguard multilateralism, and maintain the world order based on international laws and regulations.

While answering a question raised by CGTN on how Beijing would cooperate with Tajikistan on China's massive international development project, the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhang Hanhui said they are looking for more cooperation, and the results will be mutually beneficial.

"China and Tajikistan have been pushing forward their cooperation in areas such as green agricultural products, gas pipelines, road construction and industrial park projects. The two sides will deepen their cooperation in new areas, such as textiles and steel. Tajikistan is actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, and has enjoyed rapid economic development," Zhang Hanhui said.