With the world facing multiple uncertainties and new challenges, closer and stronger ties between China and European countries cater not only to their mutual interests but also benefit the world at large.

Premier Li Keqiang's ongoing visit to Germany and Belgium, though planned earlier, came just days after US President Donald Trump's first upsetting-of-the-apple-cart visit to Europe, which prompted German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say that Euope can no longer fully rely on others.

In contrast, during their meeting in Berlin on Wednesday, Li and Merkel time and again emphasized the importance of bilateral ties and vowed to accelerate the synergy of their countries' respective economic strategies.