Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot has affirmed his nation’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, emphasizing a positive and constructive approach regardless of global changes.
During talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, Prevot highlighted China’s status as Belgium’s most important trading partner. He noted that the high-quality development of bilateral ties has led to fruitful outcomes, and expressed appreciation for China’s recent visa-free policy for Belgian citizens.
“No matter how the situation changes, Belgium is willing to remain a friend of China,” Prevot stated, emphasizing the desire to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, praised the mutual respect and trust between China and Belgium. He described their all-round partnership as a pillar of stability in China-European Union (EU) relations.
“Under the current circumstances, it’s all the more important for China and the EU to strengthen face-to-face exchanges, enhance mutual trust, and dispel misunderstandings,” Wang said. He expressed hope that Belgium would continue to build bridges of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between China and the EU.
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Wang reiterated China’s support for European integration. He called for the EU to view China’s development in a positive and friendly way and pursue a rational and pragmatic policy toward China.
Prevot reaffirmed Belgium’s adherence to the one-China policy, emphasizing that Taiwan is part of China. On EU-China ties, he noted that amid a complex and tense geopolitical situation, both the EU and China uphold multilateralism and safeguard international law. He expressed hope that the upcoming EU-China leaders’ meeting would enhance communication and cooperation to jointly address global challenges.
The two sides also exchanged views on pressing international issues of common concern, agreeing on the importance of strategic communication and collaboration to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, safeguard the international free trade system, and defend international fairness and justice.
