Li's visit to build further China, Europe cooperation

China's Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to the UK and Greece from June 16th to 21st. China is expected to sign mulptile trade deals with Britain and Greece to further strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Li Keqiang’s six-day visit to the UK and Greece begins Monday. The Premier’s visit to Britain will be his first to the European country since taking office in March last year. It’s being hailed as another major diplomatic event between China and Europe and a following up to President Xi Jinping’s tour in late March.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says the Premier’s two-nation visit aims to expand cooperation on a number of fronts.

"During his visit to the UK, Premier Li Keqiang will meet with Queen Elizabeth the second, hold an annual meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron and meet with other British leaders. They will have in-depth discussions on developing China-UK relations. The two sides will further boost cooperation in various fields, including nuclear power, high-speed rail, finance and high technology. During his visit to Greece, Li Keqiang will meet and hold talks respectively with Greek President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament. China and Greece will issue a joint statement, sign a variety of governmental agreements and business contracts in fields such as infrastructure construction, culture exchanges and maritime resources." Chinese vice foreign minister Wang Chao said.

Britain is China’s third largest trade partner in the European Union, the second largest investment source and a major destination for China’s overseas investment. Li’s visit comes as both countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

"China hopes Britain will help relax the EU’export controls on some Chinese-made products, ease trade remedy measures and join with China to study the feasibility of a China-EU free trade zone." Chinese vice minister of commerce Gao Yan said.

Premier Li’s visit to Greece also has a number of significant goals. Experts want to see Li’s trip deepen mutual trust, add new momentum to bilateral ties, and expand pragmatic cooperation.

"In the first half of this year, Greece plays an important role in the European Union as the rotating Chairman. China and Greece have set up good example in the field of cooperation, such as the port, which is under cooperation of Chinese companies. The cooperative project helps the country get rid of the impact of the financial crisis, and provides Chinese companies to expand business overseas. It obviously is a win-win cooperation.” Su Xiaohui with China Institute Of Int’l Studies said.

The agenda for Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to the UK and Greece will include a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, energy cooperation and commercial opportunities. Premier Li’s visit is expected to increase political trust, enhance traditional friendship and push China-EU relations to a higher level.