Yu Zhengsheng(R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with King Philippe of Belgium in Beijing, China, June 24, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met with King Philippe of Belgium Wednesday to discuss strengthening ties.
Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), hailed the China-Belgium relationship and lauded the Belgian royal family's role in promoting cooperation.
Yu said China-Belgium political trust had deepened, trade and economic cooperation have developed and people-to-people exchanges had become closer.
"During this visit, the king and Chinese leaders have reached new agreements on relations," Yu said.
The king arrived in China Saturday for a week-long state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is his first state visit overseas since he was crowned in July 2013.
President Xi Jinping and King Philippe Wednesday witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements covering aerospace, customs, science and technology, nuclear fuel and education following talks at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.
The CPPCC would like to increase exchanges with the Belgian Senate and the Federal Parliament and share experience on people's livelihood and state governance, Yu said.
Yu called on the two countries to build trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and seek the growth of the all-round friendly cooperative partnership.
King Philippe said his visit aimed to advance the already good Belgium-China relations.
There is much potential for cooperation in small- and medium-sized businesses, health, science, research and innovation, King Philippe said.
Th king pledged to advance Belgium-China exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and to champion growth of Europe-China relations.
