AKIPRESS.COM - Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday that he intended to promote China's relations with Belgium and Europe at large through his visit, Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi, who is on a state visit to Belgium, made the remarks while meeting with Belgian King Philippe. The Chinese leader noted that the two sides have seen sound development of bilateral ties, saying he appreciated the positive role the Belgian royal family has been playing in achieving that.

Xi noted the European Union (EU) is headquartered in Belgium, a country that is the heart of Europe and China's key partner within the EU, adding that it is his first visit to Belgium and the EU headquarters since he assumed Chinese presidency in March 2013.

"I hope that through my visit this time China-Belgium relations and China-Europe ties can be further promoted," he said. For his part, King Philippe said his country feels honored to host Xi,as the Chinese leader was the first foreign head of state who pays a state visit to Belgium after he succeeded to the throne.