Li to invigorate ties with CEE nations

Premier Li Keqiang arrived at Sofia International Airport in Bulgaria late Thursday to start a six-day trip aimed at bringing new vitality to 16+1 cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe.

Li will make an official visit to Bulgaria on Friday and will attend the seventh Leaders' Meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries, also known as 16+1 cooperation mechanism, on Saturday. Li's first European visit since the formation of the new Chinese government also will take him to Germany.

Bulgaria, known as "a country of roses", was one of the first to establish diplomatic ties with New China, and they have maintained understanding and support for each other, Li said in a signed article published by the Bulgarian newspapers 24 Chasa and Standart on Wednesday.