China eyes urbanization, energy cooperation with Europe

China expects to strengthen cooperation with European countries in urbanization and energy during Vice Premier Li Keqiang's visits to Hungary, Belgium and European Union headquarters in Brussels.

Deputy Foreign Minister Song Tao made the remarks in a press release issued on Monday prior to Li's visit.

According to Song, Li will visit Hungary, Belgium and the EU base from April 30 to May 4, for occasions deemed as important diplomatic moves to develop China-Europe ties after Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Europe.

Noting that the visit to the EU headquarters is the focus of Li's trip, Song said Li will meet with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

The two sides will attend a high-level urbanization forum and an energy meeting.

Urbanization is an important part of China's 12th five-year plan and will define China's economic growth, while Europe has an urbanization rate of 72.6 percent and advanced technology in energy conservation and environmental protection, according to Song.

He said there is great potential for China and Europe to step up cooperation in the area of urbanization and energy.

During the visit to Belgium, Li will meet with Belgian King Albert II and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, visit Belgian enterprises and have contacts with local people.

While in Hungary, China's vice premier will meet with Hungarian leaders on the development of bilateral ties and sign cooperative agreements in the sectors of finance, cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprise and agricultural technology.

He will also attend activities based on exchanges between young people of the two countries, said Song.

The tour will make an important contribution to the promotion of China's European relations and exert profound influence on the development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.