Premier Li Keqiang and the leaders from the 16 Central and Eastern European countries have gathered in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou for the fourth China-CEE leaders’ meeting on Nov 24.

Premier Li addressed both the leaders’ “16+1” round table meeting and an economic and trade forum. The meeting is the highlight of this year’s China-CEE cooperation framework. The theme is “New beginning, New fields, New vision”.

The meeting is expected to propose new measures and expand new fields for cooperation, covering inter-connectivity, investment and trade, finance, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. The 16+1 meeting mechanism was launched in 2012.

Traditional friendship and China-Europe relations have both benefited. Premier Li says China is ready to cooperate comprehensively with Europe, including on the security front.

Premier Li said: “I’d like to say that China and European countries are also working together to ensure peace and stability. And China will play a constructive role. We’ll promote practical cooperation with CEE countries as a way to advance comprehensive cooperation with the EU and Europe.”