In his opening remarks, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said that the meeting aims to strengthen Europe and allows less developed EU member countries to catch up. Borissov also noted the huge potential for development of the Western Balkans. He said the exchange and cooperation between CEE countries and China are more efficient and dynamic within the 16+1 initiative. Another key characteristic of the platform is that it is becoming an important positive element of relations between China, Europe and the European Union, he added. In his remarks, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reiterated that the 16+1 forum does not aim to divide Europe but to create new possibilities for development.