Wen's visit to boost China-Europe ties

Substantial environmental and economic cooperation will highlight Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Germany and three other European countries, Chinese senior officials said on Monday.

Wen is scheduled to visit Iceland, Germany, Sweden and Poland from April 20 to 27. He will inaugurate the 2012 Hannover Messe during his visit to Germany and meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Both countries "stress entity economy and are manufacturing powers", Deputy Foreign Minister Song Tao said at a news conference in Beijing. Wen is also planning to visit the global headquarters of German automaker Volkswagen.