Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is on a tour to Germany, Russia and Italy starting Oct. 9 to strengthen China's ties with Europe.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China and European Union (EU) member states have been exchanging high-profile visits in the previous months to bolster the economy and promote innovation of the partner countries. Top leaders from both sides have been discussing terms for trade, finance, technology and cultural agreements.
Li will be in Germany to co-chair the third round of Sino-German governmental consultations with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Germany is a strong partner of China in trade, investments and technology, with a bilateral volume exceeding US$160 billion in 2013.
Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao shared that the leaders will be releasing a document on action plans for future bilateral cooperation that will benefit each other's economy. Further, over 20 agreements and commercial contracts will be signed during Li's visit.
While in Russia, Li will attend the 19th regular meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. A courtesy meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is also scheduled. Li will also be part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of victory in the anti-fascist war. Foreign ministry officials said that China and Russia will be inking about 50 agreements on finance, energy and high-speed rail deals.
In his visit to Italy, Li will go to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome. He will also be issuing a joint declaration with Italy and sign about 20 agreements. Wang said that both countries aim to promote investments and affirm cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises.
Li will also be in the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Milan on Oct. 16 and 17, at the invitation of European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and European Commission President Jos Manuel Barroso.
The meeting is the high-level form of dialogue and cooperation between Asian and European countries. According to Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong, China is hoping to reach out an agreement on global issues such as terrorism and climate change at the said meeting.