Premier Wen elaborates Chinese positions on exchange rates, investment environment

He called on the EU to recognize China's market economy status and remove its arms embargo against it.

He said the summit mechanism, the highest-level platform for bilateral political talks, should push for an end to the two outstanding difficulties.

China would work with the EU to achieve balanced and sustainable development of bilateral trade, improve investment environment and enhance cooperation in financial and fiscal policy-making processes, he said.

Wen said China had expressed its support for and confidence in the 27-member European bloc, and believed that a strong and stable EU is conducive to the world as well as to China.

He also voiced the hope that the EU could treat China's development in an objective and fair manner, respect China's major concerns and core interests and formulate more positive and visionary China policies so as to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.

Following the summit, China and the EU issued a joint press communique, expressing their commitment to opening a new phase in their relations.

At the China-EU High-Level Cultural Forum, Wen called for a strategic perspective and an open mind to foster more extensive, in-depth and enduring China-EU cultural relations.

He said China and the European Union (EU) should also promote interactions between their cultural institutions and encourage cooperation in the cultural industry and related products and services.

Wen met Belgium's King Albert II and conveyed to him the regards and best wishes from Chinese President Hu Jintao.

He expressed his appreciation for the long-term efforts the Belgian royal family have made to promote the China-Belgium friendship, communications and cooperation.

Premier Wen also held talks with his Belgian counterpart Yves Leterme, saying China wishes to encourage mutual investment and broaden cooperation with Belgium in high-end manufacturing, biological technology, new material and agricultural products processing.

He congratulated Belgium for successfully hosting the eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and appreciated the efforts Belgium made to prepare for the 13th China-EU summit.

Later in the day, Premier Wen concluded his visit here and left for Italy for a two-day official visit.