Li kicks off visit to Romania

Premier Li Keqiang arrived in the Romanian capital of Bucharest on Monday afternoon to kick off a four-day State visit and attend a trade and economic forum with leaders from Central and Eastern European countries.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang waves hand as he is welcomed by Romanian counterpart Victor Viorel Ponta (2nd R) at the Otopeni airport in Bucharest November 25, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta received Li at the airport. A traditional Romanian welcoming ceremony was held upon Li's arrival at the airport. At the ceremony, Li was offered bread and salt as welcoming gifts. He dipped the bread in salt and then took a bite.

It was the first time in two decades for Romania to hold a ceremony at the airport to receive a visiting State leader.

According to the Foreign Ministry of China, Li is expected to hold talks with Ponta later on Monday and give a speech at the Romanian parliament to push forward bilateral relations.

He will also attend an economic forum with leaders from the CEE countries and give a speech to elaborate China's policy on deepening cooperation with them.

Li's trip marks the first visit of a Chinese premier to Romania in almost two decades. It is also the first time for Li to meet most of his counterparts from the CEE countries after taking office in March. A series of cooperative plans among China and the CEE countries, covering social and economic sectors, are to be discussed.