Chinese Premier Li Qiang has emphasized China’s commitment to fostering a stable and positive relationship with the European Union (EU), stating that such a partnership is not only the responsibility of both sides but also the expectation of the international community.
During a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on Friday, held on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation in Vientiane, Laos, Premier Li highlighted the significant progress made since Chinese President Xi Jinping met with EU leaders in December of last year.
“Since President Xi’s meeting with EU leaders, China and the EU have maintained close high-level exchanges and have continuously promoted dialogue and cooperation across various fields,” Li noted. “Personnel exchanges have increased significantly, sending a strong signal of our mutual commitment to strategic communication and strengthened cooperation.”
Li underscored that the stability of China-EU ties injects certainty into the world, especially amidst global challenges. With next year marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, he expressed China’s readiness to seize this opportunity to further consolidate the momentum of their stable and positive relations.
“We aim to enhance strategic mutual trust and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation,” Li stated, adding that this would contribute to the well-being of people on both sides and advance global peace and development.
Emphasizing the historical and practical evidence, Li said, “As two major peaceful and constructive forces in the world, maintaining a sound relationship and strengthening practical cooperation between China and Europe are conducive to our respective development and to world prosperity and stability.”
He called upon EU institutions to view China’s development correctly and to formulate objective and rational policies toward China. “China regards Europe as an important direction of its diplomacy and a key partner in promoting Chinese modernization,” Li said. “China is also a major partner for Europe to achieve energy and green transitions and to jointly promote peace and development.”
European Council President Charles Michel spoke highly of China’s recent development achievements and affirmed the EU’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China. “We attach great importance to our partnership and look forward to strengthening exchanges and dialogue with China at all levels and in all fields,” Michel said.
Michel expressed the EU’s desire to deepen mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance the well-being of people on both sides. He also noted the EU’s hope to resolve relevant issues through dialogue and consultation, promoting the development of EU-China economic and trade relations.
“The EU adheres to its strategic independence and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China in international multilateral affairs to jointly address climate change and other global challenges,” Michel added.
Reference(s):
Premier Li: China ready to promote stable, positive ties with EU
cgtn.com
