Xi Jinping's visit to Europe will boost China-EU partnership, says foreign minister.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday (18) that he hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Europe will further boost the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU); Wang made the comments in Brussels at a joint press conference with Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
247, with Xinhua - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday (18) that he hopes Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Europe will further boost the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU).
Wang made the comments in Brussels at a joint press conference with Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi will hold state visits to Italy, Monaco, and France from March 21 to 26.
Wang indicated that choosing Europe as the Chinese president's first overseas trip this year shows that China attaches great importance to the continent.
Italy and France are important members of the EU, and the upcoming visit will be a highlight of China-EU relations this year, Wang said.
The trip sends a clear message that, despite changing international circumstances, China always considers the EU an important partner for strategic cooperation and treats its ties with Europe as a diplomatic priority.
Wang also stated that China's relations with France, Italy, and Monaco have withstood the tests of changing international situations and have stood out as examples of friendly cooperation between countries with different systems.
He noted that Xi's visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and the 100th anniversary of the work and study program in France. The foreign minister also added that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations.
The visit to Monaco will also be the first trip by a Chinese president to the country, Wang revealed, adding that this demonstrates China's enduring view that all countries are equal regardless of their size.
The visit to three European countries will be "a trip to consolidate friendship, deepen cooperation and engage in strategic communication," Wang added.
Wang said the visit will promote stability and multilateralism in a rapidly changing world, adding that it will also promote connectivity within the Eurasian bloc and boost sustainable growth in the global economy.