CCTV9英语新闻：China-Europe leaders gather to discuss green, open development

The 5th China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum is underway in Beijing. For two days, China and Europe's political leaders gathered to discuss opportunities for greater cooperation.

Song Tao, minister of IDCPC, delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum on May 17 in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

Forging partnership for reform and development. More than 80 European leaders representing more than 30 political parties from 24 European countries gathered in China's capital to discuss mutual goals and challenges.

"This forum has provided an excellent platform for us to discuss not only political issues but more importantly, how we can further our economic cooepration," said Vojtech Filip, deputy leader from Parliament of Czech Republic.

China's plans for a green and open economy, especially the Belt and Road Initiative, are creating abundant opportunities for both Chinese and European businesses.

China and Europe's political leaders have gathered to discuss China's 'green development' and 'open development' strategies during the 13th Five-Year Plan and discuss opportunities for cooperation.They believe there are enormous opportunities of cooperation between China and Europe, and there are challenges as well.

The forum, initiated by the Communist Party of China, was first held in Beijing in 2010, and is a high-level, multilateral and strategic dialogue platform.

Participants believe that it can push Chinese and European relations forward towards a stronger partnership based on "peace, growth, reform and civilization".