Xi praises Belgian parliament speaker for promoting ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Andre Flahaut, president of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, in Brussels, Belgium, March 31, 2014. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Chinese President Xi Jinping Monday hailed Andre Flahaut, president of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, for his continuous efforts to promote China-Belgium ties. [Special coverage]

"We appreciate that you have always viewed China from a strategic perspective, and that you have long dedicated yourself to the development of China-Belgium ties," Xi said while meeting with the Belgium parliament speaker.

"We hope that under your influence, more people, especially young political leaders in Belgium, will devote themselves to the cause of China-Belgium friendship," he added.

China is willing to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies, political parties and local governments of the two countries, said the Chinese leader.

Speaking of his visit to Belgium, Xi said the two countries decided to issue a joint statement during his tour, upgrading the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership of friendly cooperation.

The two sides, following the spirit of the joint statement, should carry on their traditional friendship and deepen cooperation.

For his part, Flahaut said the Belgian parliament is willing to strengthen its friendly ties with the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and to promote exchanges and cooperation between all circles in the two countries.

The Chinese president, together with his wife Peng Liyuan, arrived here Sunday for a state visit to Belgium, the last leg of his ongoing Europe trip.

On Monday morning, Peng, accompanied by Belgium Queen Mathilde, visited the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels. She expressed the hope that the two countries' artists can strengthen exchanges.