On September 6, Premier Zhu Rongji, who was paying a formal visit to Belgium, held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt at the conference center in Egmont Palace. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further promotion of bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Zhu said that his visit just a year after his previous one to Belgium and on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between the countries, demonstrated the importance China attached to its friendly relationship of cooperation with Belgium. He expressed the hope that both countries should take this opportunity to push bilateral ties to a new high.

Zhu also expressed the hope that two sides should maintain the momentum of high level visits and exchanges on various levels, strengthen consultations and cooperation in international affairs. He said that there was no direct conflict of interests between the two countries, and on the contrary, both share extensive common interest in maintaining world peace and promoting development. Both countries should support each other and closely cooperate in the multi-lateral institutions of the United Nations, strengthen consultation and coordination on such issues as environmental protection, the fight against illegal immigration and transnational crimes as well as prevention of AIDS.

Zhu also holds that both countries should further tap the potential for economic and trade cooperation. He said China's 10th Five-Year Plan and its strategy to develop its western regions provide Belgian entrepreneurs with even more chances for investing in China. He expressed the hope that the Belgian government will encourage more business people to take an active part in China’s development program for its western regions.

The premier also hoped that both countries should strengthen cultural exchanges, which play an important role in enhancing the understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Both China and Belgium have long histories and glorious cultures. He hoped that the relevant institutions of the two countries will work together to promote more colorful exchange activities between the cultural organizations and groups.

Verhofstadt extended a warm welcome to Zhu for his another formal visit to Belgium on the occasion marking the forging of ties between Belgium and China. He said that Belgium-China relations have been developing very smoothly ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, with close contacts. In particular, bilateral economic exchanges have made good progress in recent years with a rapid growing trade volume. The Belgian government attaches great importance to cooperation with China in various fields, hoping to strengthen consultation and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs. Belgium will send a large economic and trade delegation on an inspection mission to China's western regions in hope of participating in the construction of China's west. Belgium will conduct active exchanges with China in the cultural and educational fields so as to promote the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Belgium and China have already achieved a lot in jointly fighting against illegal immigration. He hoped that cooperation in this regard will be enhanced in the future.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Central Africa and agreed to establish relevant consultation and cooperation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Verhofstadt gladly accepted Premier Zhu's invitation to visit China, which will take place next year.