外交部：李克强访问英国希腊将加强中欧关系

外交部：李克强访问英国希腊将加强中欧关系

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is set to pay an official visit to the United Kingdom and Greece starting from next Monday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has held a press briefing on his upcoming tour, where Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao and Vice Commerce Minister Gao Yan said the trip will aim to build further cooperation between China and Europe.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has held a press briefing on his upcoming tour, where Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao and Vice Commerce Minister Gao Yan said the trip will aim to build further cooperation between China and Europe.

This is Premier Li’s first official visit to both countries since he took office last year.

During his stop in the UK, Li will meet with Queen Elizabeth, hold an annual meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron, and meet with other British leaders.

Premier Li will also deliver a speech to think-tanks, elaborating on China’s stance in the global arena. Boosting cooperation with the UK is also high on the agenda.

"The visit will promote bilateral cooperation in infrastructure construction, nuclear power, high-speed rail, finance and high technology. This will benefit people from both countries." Wang Chao said.

"We hope the UK could push the European union   to loosen the restrictions on exports from China, limit the use of trade remedy measures, and create favourable conditions for China-EU and China-UK trade. And at the same time, both sides should study further whether a China-EU free trade zone is feasible." Gao Yan said.

Premier Li’s second stop, Greece the country currently holding the EU’s rotating presidency.

He’s scheduled to meet and hold talks with the Greek President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament.

The two countries will sign a variety of agreements covering issues such as infrastructure construction, culture exchanges and maritime resources.

"China and Greece both have a long coastline and abundant maritime resources. The two sides have huge potential in maritime cooperation. And this has become a new highlight of bilateral cooperation." Wang Chao said.

"We will encourage Chinese and Greek enterprises to boost cooperation in maritime transportation, port logistics and tourism. And we also encourage collaboration between business investment promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, and associations." Gao Yan said.

Premier Li’s visit is expected to deepen political mutual trust, add new momentum to bilateral ties, and expand practical cooperation between China and Greece.