China, Luxembourg eye Aviation Silk Road

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 12, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Zhang Duo]

China and Luxembourg have signed cooperative agreements in finance and aviation following talks between Premier Li Keqiang and his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel.

During their talks, Li Keqiang said the visit will inject new vitality to the two countries' ties.

China is ready to discuss cooperation with Luxembourg on development of third-party markets and people-to-people exchanges, said Li Keqiang.

Li Keqiang suggested the two sides enhance cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, aviation, steel as well as third-party markets.

For his part, Bettel said his country is ready to enhance communication and coordination with China over climate change.

Luxembourg is glad to see Europe and China establishing a closer and future-oriented relationship and is willing to play a positive role to this end, said Bettel.

Bettel is on an official visit to China from June 11 to 14 at the invitation of Li Keqiang.

As part of the visit is a trip to air transportation facilities in central China's Zhengzhou.

Foreign Ministry official Zhu Jing said the two countries are planning to create an Aviation Silk Road linking China and Europe.

"Zhengzhou has seen fast development in air transportation with Luxembourg,” said Zhu, “both sides agreed to build China-EU Aviation Silk Road which is a major step under the Belt and Road framework."

The official also said both countries have agreed to further cooperation in other areas such as green finance, social security, and film.