China News Agency, Beijing, August 24 (Reporter Zhang Ziyang) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced in Beijing on the 24th: In response to the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Di Maio, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Brock, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sored, France At the invitation of the European and Foreign Minister Le Drian and the German Foreign Minister Maas, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay official visits to Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, France, and Germany from August 25 to September 1.
At the regular press conference that day, a reporter asked: You just released the news of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to five European countries. State Councilor Wang Yi chose the direction of Europe for his first visit after the COVID-19 epidemic eased. Can you brief us on the relevant situation and considerations?
Zhao Lijian responded that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Europe was the first visit of a Chinese Foreign Minister after the COVID-19 pandemic eased. It was warmly welcomed by relevant countries and fully demonstrated the importance that both sides attach to China-EU relations.
Zhao Lijian pointed out that in the face of the epidemic, China and Europe have supported and helped each other in the spirit of helping each other and overcoming difficulties. President Xi Jinping maintains regular communication with leaders of the European Union and European countries through video, phone calls, letters and other forms. The 22nd China-EU Leaders Video Meeting was successfully held. On the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, the two sides have actively joined hands to promote China-EU and international anti-epidemic cooperation, which has enriched the connotation of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
Zhao Lijian said that in the context of the epidemic, the international situation is more unstable and uncertain. As the world's two major forces, two major markets, and two major civilizations, China and the EU have become more significant in promoting the unity of the international community to fight the epidemic, safeguarding multilateralism, and restarting the world economy. China expects to achieve three goals through this visit:
The first is to jointly implement the consensus of the leaders of China and the EU and actively advance the important political, economic and trade agendas of both sides.
The second is to deepen cooperation with the European side on responding to the epidemic and stabilizing the global industrial chain and supply chain, and further explore cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy and green economy.
The third is to make a concerted voice to safeguard multilateralism and improve global governance, and make greater contributions to world peace, stability and development. (Finish)