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Wen's visit to promote ties, cooperation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-23 10:04

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to three European countries is primarily aimed at boosting communication and cooperation, China's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"Premier Wen's visit to Europe will be an important diplomatic mission this year, aiming at promoting communication and cooperation," Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying said during a press briefing held on Friday in Beijing.

The briefing came a week ahead of Wen's visits to Hungary, Britain and Germany, which will last from June 24 to 28.

Wen's trip to Hungary, the first visit to the country by a Chinese premier in 24 years, will focus on lifting substantive cooperation, Fu said.

Wen will hold talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor and meet with other Hungarian leaders.

Wen's visit is also relevant for central and eastern Europe, as Hungary now serves as the rotating chair of the European Union (EU), Fu said.

Wen and Viktor will attend a trade forum for China and central and eastern Europe, where Wen will put forward China's proposal to deepen cooperation with the two regions, Fu said.

After Hungary, Wen will fly to Britain for his fourth visit to the country.  Wen will hold talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron and inspect several China-Britain cooperative projects.

"Leaders will explore the possibility of cooperating in new areas, such as finance, infrastructure and technology," Fu said.

Enhancing understanding is another key aspect of Wen's visit, as the two countries have different national conditions and different views on international issues, Fu said.

Wen and Cameron will witness the signing of deals covering inter-city cooperation, investment, resource exploration, bank cooperation, architecture and design, said Wang Zhiming, deputy director general of the European Affairs Department of the Chinese Commerce Ministry.

China and Germany are expected to launch a consultation mechanism for use by the governments of both countries during Wen's stay in Berlin, with a number of ministers attending the launching ceremony.

"The launch of the consultation mechanism will mean a lot for China-Germany relations and reflects the relatively high level of bilateral relations," Fu said.

Wen will meet with German leaders and attend the 6th China-Germany Economic and Technological Cooperation Forum during his visit.

Commerce ministers of China and Germany will set a new goal for bilateral trade during their consultations and exchange views on increasing two-way investment, establishing a China-Germany ecological park and pushing for the resumption of the Doha talks, Wang said.

The two countries will sign a joint statement on facilitating mutual investment, Wang said, adding that the visit may produce deals related to chemical engineering, electronics and clean energy.