BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday sent a congratulatory letter to the 3rd Conference on Innovation and Technology Cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) held in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina.

China-CEEC cooperation has focused on pragmatic cooperation and common development and follows the principles of inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win results, Li said in the letter.

The relationship has achieved plenty across various fields, helped boost development, and brought practical benefits to both peoples, Li said, adding that ties have also helped bolster China-European Union relations.

China is willing to work together with the CEEC to further enhance "the 16+1 cooperation" mechanism and achieve common development and prosperity, Li said, referring to the cooperation between China and the 16 Central and Eastern European countries.

The Chinese premier noted that innovation is an important area of "the 16+1 cooperation."

Against the backdrop of a new industrial revolution, China is willing to tap complementary advantages together with the CEEC; jointly foster, promote and share innovation; and support innovation cooperation between their companies in accordance with market rules and business principles on condition that intellectual property rights are strictly protected, Li said.

Li said he hopes the conference will include in-depth discussions on initiatives to strengthen overall innovation cooperation between China and the CEEC, and inject new vigor into "the 16+1 cooperation" mechanism and China-EU relations.