国内英语新闻:China, Belgium vow to seek stronger ties

BRUSSELS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- China will work with Belgium to improve political trust and substantial cooperation to make new progress in bilateral ties, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday.

    During talks with Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, Xi put forward a four-point proposal to cement bilateral ties:

    -- To maintain high-level contacts and political dialogues. China welcomes King Albert II to participate in the 2010 Shanghai Expo and hopes the governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries to increase exchanges for more understanding and trust;

    -- To consider the core interests and concerns of each other. China hopes the two sides would deal with the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, properly handle disputes based on principles of mutual respect, equal treatment and noninterference in each other's internal affairs, to enhance the development of the bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way;

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, during their talks in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on Oct. 7, 2009. Xi Jinping arrived here on Wednesday to begin a five-nation European tour

    -- To actively boost tangible cooperation, including investment and technological cooperation. China welcomes Belgian companies to invest in China and encourages its own entrepreneurs to do business in Belgium;

    -- To increase human and culture exchanges. China will further promote exchanges with Belgium in various sectors including culture, education and tourism.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (2nd L) holds talks with Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy (4th R) in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on Oct. 7, 2009. Xi Jinping arrived here on Wednesday to begin a five-nation European tour

Van Rompuy said Belgium would work with China to push forward exchanges and cooperation in all areas.

    He spoke highly of China's stance in handling the current global financial crisis and the climate change, and pledged to strengthen coordination with China on regional and international issues.

    He reaffirmed that Belgium would always adhere to the one-China policy and the principle of noninterference in other country's internal affairs, and would not support any separatist activities.

    Following the talks, Xi and Van Rompuy attended the signing ceremony of a number of agreements on science, finance and trade cooperation.

    Xi arrived here Wednesday afternoon for an official visit to Belgium, the first leg of his European tour. He will also visit Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania.