Premier Li Keqiang and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker exchanged views on China-EU relations and the upcoming Summit of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European Countries over a phone call on July 4.

Premier Li said that amid complicated international situations and rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the European Union (EU) should build consensus and expand cooperation and common interests to cope with the challenges.

China expects to exchange opinions on China-EU ties and international and regional issues of common concern at the upcoming China-CEE countries summit, Premier Li said.

According to the Premier, China will strive to push forward pragmatic progress in negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty and campaign against climate change, and work with EU to safeguard multilateralism and promote free trade and investment.

The two sides will maintain world peace, stability, and development, demonstrating the ongoing progress of mankind, he added.

Speaking of the upcoming seventh China-CEE countries summit, Premier Li said China firmly supports European integration and a united, stable and developing European Union.

He said as an open, transparent and inclusive cross-region platform, the “16+1 cooperation” is an important part and good supplement for China-Europe relations. China will always follow international rules and European laws and regulations to cooperate with CEE countries, which will be helpful for promoting the balanced development and integration of EU, added the Premier.

He also welcomed European companies to actively take part in “16+1 cooperation”, achieving win-win results.

Juncker said that against the current international situation, European countries support multilateralism, and expect to deliver a strong voice with China on multilateralism and free trade.

They will negotiate with China on issues such as the Bilateral Investment Treaty, climate change and aviation during the upcoming leaders’ meeting.

He also said the European side holds an open attitude toward the “16+1 cooperation”, which follows the trade principles of EU.