China, Belgium to sign tech., trade, telecoms deals

Brussels – Chinese president Xi is now in Belgium, the last leg of his four-nation European tour, which has already taken him to the Netherlands, France and Germany. He arrived in Brussels on Sunday, and was greeted by Belgium’s King Philippe. A string of cooperation deals are expected to be signed, covering trade, technology and telecommunications. More importantly, the President is expected to ask the EU to consider a multi-billion dollar free trade deal.

A red carpet welcome for the Chinese president and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in front of the Royal Palace hosted by Belgium’s King Philippe. It’s the first visit by a Chinese President to Belgium in 27 years.

President Xi Jinping says he wants to increase ties with Belgium and with Europe as a whole. And he acknowledged the positive role played by the Belgian royal family in developing China-Belgium relations so far.

Ahead of his arrival, Belgian paper “Le Soir” published an article by Xi Jinping, in which he explained how closer economic and political ties can benefit both nations, as well as Europe and the world.

King Philippe welcomed the president’s focus on raising China-Europe cooperation. He said the Belgian royal family and government will continue to pursue friendly policies towards China, and are willing to play a “special role” in promoting China-Europe relations.

The two countries are expected to sign cooperation deals on trade, science and technology, telecommunications and education.

President Xi will also visit EU headquarters, where he’s expected to push for the bloc to consider a multi-billion-dollar free-trade deal — a step that would dramatically deepen ties between two of the world’s largest markets. Source: Xinhua

Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L), his wife Peng Liyuan (R), King Philippe of Belgium (2nd R) and Queen Mathilde