Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday that China stands ready to expand practical cooperation with Belgium and promote exchanges in science and technology and culture in a bid to further the development of bilateral ties.

Li made the remarks during talks with Belgian King Albert II at the Royal Palace of Brussels.

Li conveyed Chinese President Hu Jintao's regards to the Belgian monarch and lauded his long-term commitment to promote China-Belgium friendly cooperation.

Briefing the king on China's macroeconomic policy, Li said China will follow the guideline of striving for progress while maintaining stability, make continued efforts to expand domestic demand, promote industrialization, urbanization, agricultural modernization and economic transformation, and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.

King Albert II, for his part, expressed the hope that both sides will maintain high-level exchanges, expand cooperation in economy and trade, increase mutual investments, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as scientific research, environmental protection and higher education.

He said China's stability and development can benefit the rest of the world and Belgium wishes China greater success in the future.

Li flew in Tuesday from Budapest for official visits to Belgium and the EU headquarters. Belgium is the third leg of Li's European tour, which has already taken him to Russia and Hungary.