Premier's first tour a success

During Li's maiden official trip, bilateral relations with the four countries he visited were significantly strengthened and a number of agreements were signed to promote economic cooperation.

Premier Li Keqiang concluded on Monday his first foreign official tour since taking up the post in March. The visit, which took him to India, Pakistan, Switzerland and Germany, has been hailed as fruitful, strengthening friendship and trust and promoting bilateral trade. During the nine-day trip, which started on May 19, Li exchanged in-depth views with foreign leaders, met local business leaders, old friends of the Chinese people and overseas Chinese. The premier witnessed the signing of a number of agreements to promote economic cooperation, including a significant accord for a free trade agreement with Switzerland.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel watches Premier Li Keqiang sign the guest book on his arrival for a dinner at the German government's Meseberg Palace in Meseberg some 60 km north of Berlin, on Sunday. Odd Andersen / Reuters