On the afternoon of April 8, 2019 local time, as agreed by the Chinese side and the European side, Premier Li Keqiang arrived at Brussels International Airport by special plane. He will hold the 21st China-European Union (EU) Leaders' Meeting with the leaders of the EU.

Premier Li Keqiang's wife Cheng Hong, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng and other delegation members arrived by the same plane. Senior officials of the EU and the Belgian government, H.E. Zhang Ming, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, H.E. Cao Zhongming, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, and others greeted Li Keqiang at the airport.

Li Keqiang expressed that I am glad to come the headquarters of the EU in Brussels to hold the 21st China-EU Leaders' Meeting. China and Europe are two major forces and markets in the international arena, and are important cooperation partners to each other. I look forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with the European side on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern on the basis of mutual respect, consultation, coordination and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. I hope that the two sides will reach broad consensus on practical cooperation and make substantial progress on the negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement, so as to further enrich the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and constantly steer their relations towards higher levels, broader areas and deeper degrees.

Li Keqiang pointed out that the Chinese side has always firmly supported the European integration process, the EU's unity and growth, and Europe's more important role in international affairs. In the current situation, China is willing to work with the EU side to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international issues, uphold multilateralism and free trade together, and consolidate the global and strategic significance of bilateral relations, so as to contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

During his stay in Brussels, Li Keqiang will hold a meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. They will attend a signing ceremony and jointly meet the press. Li Keqiang will also meet with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, and meet with representatives attending the fourth China-EU Innovation Cooperation Dialogue with President Jean-Claude Juncker. Li Keqiang will also attend the launching ceremony of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the EU.