Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to the Third Brussels China-Europe Forum on Tuesday.

Hailing the substantial progress made in the China-EU ties since the two sides established a comprehensive strategic partnership a decade ago, Li said both China and EU have reached an important stage of development.

The recently-concluded Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee has charted a new course for China to comprehensively deepen reform, while the European economy has presented a sound and stable momentum after EU's new round of expansion, said Li.

In such context, he said it is both necessary and urgent to deepen the China-Europe ties.

Li said China and the EU should further boost their trade and mutual investment based on the signed agreements, and expand cooperation in urbanization, financial sector, technological innovation and inter-connectivity.

Li spoke highly of the Brussels China-Europe Forum, saying it has played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening dialogues at all levels and promoting practical cooperation between the two sides.

He also encouraged forum participants to make constructive proposals and contribute to the development of China-EU relations.

Addressing the China-Europe Forum in Brussels, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said the just-concluded China-EU summit in Beijing has worked out strategic planning for China-EU cooperation until 2020, and China's newly-launched reforms will bring new opportunities for the development of China-EU relations

Van Rompuy urged the two sides to enhance mutual-trust and enhance cooperation to further promote their ties, which is conducive to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.?