On September 20, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo in Brussels.

Since China and Belgium established diplomatic relations 41 years ago, the two sides have seen their mutual understanding and trust steadily increasing, said Wen. Faced with the international financial crisis, he added, the two sides should turn the crisis into an opportunity to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, more closely link their interests together and inject fresh vigor into the development of bilateral relations. China attaches great importance to Belgium's influence within the EU and on international affairs, said Wen, adding that China is ready to work with Belgium to enhance dialogues and coordination on hot-button and global issues.

In view of the current unfavorable global economic conditions, he said, China and Belgium should remain committed to keeping their markets open and jointly resist all forms of protectionism. China welcomes more investment from Belgian enterprises, and hopes that Belgium will continue facilitating Chinese businesses' exploration in the Belgian market, Wen added. The two countries need to step up financial cooperation so as to provide diverse, convenient and safe financial services for their companies, Wen said, adding that China is willing to learn from Belgium's advanced experiences and ideas in implementing the 12th Five- Year Plan. The Chinese premier also urged the two sides to promote cooperation and exchanges in high technology, energy conservation, environmental protection, education and culture to increase mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples.

Di Rupo, on behalf of the Belgian government and people, extended warm welcome to Wen Jiabao for his visit. He said China is a key partner for Belgium and bilateral ties enjoy sound development. He noted his country admires China's achievements and values China's international status and influence. Belgium, he said, is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and consultations with China and foster a favorable environment for Chinese investors. He also agreed that the two countries should expand cooperation in high and new technology, energy conservation and environmental protection, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to push forward Belgium-China, EU-China ties.

Prior to the talks, Di Rupo held a grand welcome ceremony for Wen.

In the evening, Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council, and Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission held a special dinner for Wen. The special dinner was attended by Wen's entourage, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Catherine Ashton, EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht and Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Geoghegan-Quinn, as well as Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and other senior officials from the Belgian government. Van Rompuy, Wen Jiabao and Jose Manuel Barroso delivered speeches successively. They spoke highly of China-EU friendship and cooperation, and wished China-EU relations a better tomorrow.