(VOVworld) – Chinese President Xi Jinping began official visits to Belgium and the EU on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping receives royal welcome in Belgium (Photo: Reuters)

After a royal welcome, Belgium’s King Philippe presented President Xi with the Order of Leopold, an award for individuals  who have made great military or civil contributions to Belgium. President Xi Jinping is expected to hold talks with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and leaders of the Belgian Federal Parliament. Their talks will focus on ways to attract Chinese investment in Belgium and foster bilateral trade. President Xi will visit the headquarters of the European Commission and the European Union in Brussels and will work with EC President Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.