Premier's trip to deepen relations with Europe

Premier Li Keqiang's trip next week to the European Union's headquarters and Croatia is expected to enhance global governance and help build an open world economy while promoting political trust, a senior diplomat said on Wednesday.

The premier will begin his five-day trip on Monday and attend the 21st China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, Belgium, and the eighth leaders' meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries in Croatia after making an official visit to the country, the Foreign Ministry said.

The trip, Li's first overseas travel this year, brings another high-level exchange between China and Europe soon after President Xi Jinping's visit to Italy, Monaco and France late last month. It shows the great importance China places on its ties with the continent, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao, who oversees China's ties with Europe, said at a briefing.