Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Brussels Wednesday afternoon, kicking off his visit to Belgium, the second leg of his four-nation tour.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Premier Zhu said that he was happy to be there to attend the Fourth Summit Meeting between China and the European Union, and to pay an official visit to Belgium at the invitation of the President of European Commission Romano Prodi and Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt.

Premier Zhu said that Sino-EU relations are developing with a very good momentum and the co-operation at various areas has yielded good results. The Chinese Government highly regards the EU's important position and role in international affairs, and attaches great importance to developing an all-around partnership with EU, the premier said.

To further develop and strengthen the Sino-EU co-operation in various fields on the principle of mutual benefit is conducive to the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, and conducive to world peace, stability and progress.

This year coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, and in the past 30 years, Sino-Belgium ties have witnessed great progress, the premier said.

Sino-Belgium co-operative relations have a solid foundation and broad prospects, the premier said, expressing the hope that his visit will further promote friendly ties between the two.

Premier Zhu left Dublin Wednesday morning, concluding his four-day visit there, and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern held a ceremony to see him off at the airport.

In another development, Premier Zhu, Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt in his capacity as President of the European Council and European Commission President Romano Prodi attended the Fourth Summit Meeting between China and the European Union here in Brussels Wednesday afternoon.

A joint press statement of the summit was issued after the meeting. Both sides exchanged views on China-EU relations and international and regional issues of common concern. They express the resolve to further China-EU co-operation in all areas on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and promote the development of a comprehensive partnership between China and the EU, according to the statement.

(China Daily 09/06/2001)