The governments of China and Belgium have pledged to deepen their all-round friendship and cooperation, according to a joint statement released by the countries' leaders.

During a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo on Monday in Brussels, the two sides decided to boost their bilateral relationship to a new level to achieve greater development.

Xi said the two countries have witnessed a smooth development of ties since they established official diplomatic relations 43 years ago.

In a written statement to Chinese media, Di Rupo said: "Xi's three-day visit demonstrates the excellent relations between Belgium and China in many areas. China is a friendly country with which we want to develop on all levels, a balanced and fruitful relationship."

The two countries respect and trust each other on issues concerning their core interests, and this provides a strong political guarantee for carrying out cooperation, Xi said.

"The success of China's development also depends on our prosperity here in Belgium and Europe," Di Rupo mentioned. "I am personally very attached to our friendship and cooperation, and the president's visit is an opportunity to further deepen [the relationship]", he said.

China stands ready to work with Belgium to build their all-round and accelerate cooperation in all areas, said the Chinese president.

To that end, Xi called on the two sides to maintain a long-term friendship in the political sphere, and view bilateral relations from strategic and long-term perspectives.

Di Rupo said Belgium highly appreciates China's achievements in its development as well as its important role in the international community, adding that his country has a strong desire to develop relations with China.