Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to five European nations and the EU headquarters will push forward the relations between China and Europe in a comprehensive way, said a senior Chinese official Friday.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui made the remark at a news briefing on the premier's visit. Wen will make an official visit to Germany, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Britain and the EU headquarters in Belgium from May 2 to 12.

It is the first visit to Europe by the new Chinese premier, and it is of great significance for boosting relations between China and the EU and its member countries, said Zhang.

China-EU relations are at their most active and fruitful stage, said Zhang, adding that the two sides each issued policy papers aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, and reached consensus on developing a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

Zhang said it is desirable for China and the EU to further strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen dialogue and cooperation. The two sides as trade partners have a lot in common in international and regional issues, Zhang said. China is confident of further development of bilateral relations.

The relations between China and the five European countries Wen will visit are good and have kept frequent high-level exchanges, said Zhang. The total trade volume between China and the five nations exceeds 50 percent of that between China and the EU. 

Premier Wen will hold meetings and talks with leaders of the five nations and the EU, exchanging views on international and regional issues of common concern, Zhang said. On the occasion of the enlargement of the EU, Wen will extend China's positive attitude to the trend of European integration.

During the visit, some joint documents and agreements will also be signed, Zhang said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2004)