Premier Li Keqiang called for strengthening mutual trust and deepening cooperation with Belgium during a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels on June 2.

The Premier said China-Belgium relations have witnessed healthy and stable development. China is ready to strengthen mutual trust with Belgium, deepen cooperation in key areas, boost people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

China is willing to see new development of the all-around friendly cooperative partnership between the two countries, Premier Li said.

“Under the current international political and economic situation, China and Belgium should jointly safeguard a fair and free global trade and investment system, expand mutual opening-up, share development opportunities and jointly counter challenges,” the Premier said.

Premier Li also stressed that Belgium is an important member of the European Union and is where its headquarters is located. A good China-Belgium relationship is conducive to the development of China-EU relations.

“China believes that it is essential to keep the rules and commitment in international relations. Therefore, relevant international rules, including those of the World Trade Organization, must be obeyed. The European Union should fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China’s accession to the World Trade Organization,” the Premier said.

He hoped that Belgium will play an active role in promoting the EU to fulfill its obligation, and creating conditions for the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

Michel said China-Belgium relations achieved substantial progress, and Belgium is willing to consolidate mutual with deeper cooperation in trade, investment, science, innovation, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors.

Belgium, said Michel, highly values China’s role in international affairs, and stands ready to work with China to promote world peace and stability.

He added that Belgium is willing to play a positive role in urging the European Union to fulfill the promise made in Article 15 of the protocol on China’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

The two sides also exchanged opinions on other international and regional issues.

After the meeting, Premier Li and Michel witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on infrastructure, industry, quality inspection, telecommunication, logistics and ports.