In efforts to fast-track the government's Belt Road Initiative, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is set to travel to Europe and Central Asia for eight days.
Li's first stop would be Kyrgyzstan, according to Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai at a news conference. The premier is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government.
"The region's nations also show a strong inclination to link their national strategies with China's Belt and Road Initiative," Li Huilai added.
The foreign ministry said that Premier Li will be attending the 5th Meeting of Heads of Government of China and Central and Eastern European Countries in Riga, the capital of Latvia. China and Latvia are expected to sign agreements on cooperation for the Belt and Road Initiative.
Li will then proceed to St Petersburg to join Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for the 21st Regular Meeting between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers. They will be signing cooperation agreements on development in the sectors of aviation, energy, and construction of China-Russia railways.
"China's cooperation with SCO and CEE countries have produced fruitful results and both sides should take Li's visit as a new chance to help reinforce partnerships that boost global peace and economic recovery," said Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies.
He added, "Central and Eastern Europe is a key linkage region for the Belt and Road Initiative and an essential part of China-EU ties."
Last year, President Xi Jinping noted that EU countries like Poland are strategically important to the Belt and Road Initiative.
He said, "We would like to see Poland push the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative to connect with the EU development strategy."
Zhao Xijun, deputy director of the School of Finance at Renmin University, agreed with Xi. He said that the investments with the Asian Infrastructure International Bank (AIIB) should be connected to Europe.
"China should establish a financial institution to specifically service central and eastern Europe and connect with the AIIB's business in Asia . . . the 'One Belt One Road' can be extended to Europe from West Asia," he said.