CRI听力:Premier Li's Trip to Enhance China-Europe Ties

Senior Chinese diplomats say Premier Li Keqiang's forthcoming visit to three European nations will further enhance China's relations with the continent.

Li Keqiang will start a week-long tour to Germany, Russia and Italy on Thursday, his second European trip so far this year.

Germany will become the only country that Li Keqiang has visited twice since he took office in March last year.

During his visit, he will co-chair the China-Germany governmental consultation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Chinese deputy foreign minister Wang Chao says the leaders will also release an action plan to direct bilateral economic cooperation in future.

"The plan will center on the topic of innovation to direct bilateral cooperation in the sectors of industry, agriculture, education, science, environmental protection, urbanization and social security. It demonstrates the willingness of our two nations to seek pragmatic and long-term cooperation."

Germany is China's biggest European partner in trade, investment and technological cooperation.

Bilateral trade volume last year exceeded 160 billion U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats say during his stay in Russia, Premier Li will sign more than 30 agreements on finance, energy and high-speed rail cooperation.

Li Keqiang will bring his trip to a close by attending the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting in the Italian city of Milan.

The Asia-Europe meeting serves as the biggest platform for communication between Asian and European leaders from 51 nations.