国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president, Belgian king meet on bilateral ties

BRUSSELS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met here Thursday with Belgian King Albert II on bilateral ties, vowing to enhance cooperation between the two sides.

Xi said the development of Sino-Belgium relations is enjoying good momentum, and his visit is aimed to improve political trust and substantial cooperation to make new progress in bilateral ties.

    China highly appreciates the King and Belgian Royal family's commitment to the development of Sino-Belgium friendship, Xi said.

    The Europalia Chinese Art Festival, which opened here on Thursday, will promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he said.

    Xi also introduced the great achievements of China in the last 60 years, China's policies and concepts on promoting scientific development and building a harmonious society and a harmonious world, as well as the measures China has adopted in tackling the global financial crisis.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (1st R front) meets with Belgian King Albert II (1st L front) in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 8, 2009

    King Albert II expressed his admiration for China's impressive National Day celebrations on Oct. 1, speaking highly of the great achievements of China in the last 60 years.

    The King said Xi's visit is of great significance and will further promote the development of bilateral ties, adding that Belgium is willing to strengthen cooperation and expand cultural exchanges with China.

    He also said Belgium will actively take part in the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Belgian King Albert II in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 8, 2009.

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