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Highlights from Premier Li’s schedule in Bulgaria

Updated: Jul 9,2018 1:56 PM     english.gov.cn

In the past two days, Premier Li Keqiang carried out a hectic schedule during his visit to Bulgaria.

Besides his meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the Premier also attended the seventh meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries and the 16+1 business forum, and met leaders from several CEE countries.

According to the Premier, the 16+1 cooperation follows the international rules and laws of the European Union (EU), and sticks to market-oriented operation.

As an inclusive, transparent, and open platform, the 16+1 cooperation has become a new engine for relations between China and CEE nations and deepened their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The cooperation between China and CEE countries is an important part and a supplement to China-EU relations, and China firmly supports European integration, as well as a united, stable, and developing EU, the Premier said.

During Premier Li’s visit, China and 16 CEE countries signed documents on cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting each other’s development strategies under the international rules and EU laws.

At a joint news conference with Bulgarian prime minister, Premier Li said there is no winner in a trade war, which will only harm businesses and consumers on both sides and set back the recovery of the world economy.

Open trade and investment environment underpins the 16+1 cooperation. Facing complicated challenges, nations should safeguard a rule-based multilateral trade system, and oppose unilateralism and protectionism to promote free trade and investment, the Premier said.

During the visit, Premier Li also reaffirmed that China’s economic landscape will remain positive in the long run, and the government is resolute in the market-oriented reform and further opening-up.

In addition to the frequently mentioned pragmatic cooperation, free trade and investment, interconnection, and win-win results during the talks between Premier Li and leaders from CEE countries, the leader also discussed a number of key projects.

These projects include the Sofia research center on 16+1 cooperation in Bulgaria, a demonstration center on agricultural machinery in Albania, construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway, and other projects in CEE nations.