At the invitation of Mr. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of the People's Republic of China paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the European Commission on January 30, 2009. The visit successfully promoted mutual trust and bilateral cooperation.

The leaders took stock of developments in bilateral relations and expressed their satisfaction with progress made in their cooperation. The leaders stated that the China-EU relationship has served as a strong driving force for the development of both China and the EU and was making an important contribution to a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Leaders emphasized that in a globalized and rapidly changing international context, China-EU relations transcend the bilateral scope and acquire a growing global strategic significance. They thus agreed it is particularly necessary to further enhance the China-EU comprehensive and strategic partnership. This meets the shared aspiration and the fundamental interests of both sides.

Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further develop the China-EU comprehensive and strategic partnership, and pledged to step up their dialogue so as to improve mutual understanding, appropriately manage differences and expand and deepen cooperation in all fields on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual trust and respect.

The two sides stated that they are prepared to take proactive measures to enhance macroeconomic policy coordination, overcome the financial crisis and to further promote and liberalize trade and investment, emphasizing that an open, free and fair trade and investment environment and the creation of business opportunities are essential means to counter the global financial and economic crisis. In this context, the leaders looked forward to the second meeting of the High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism between the European Commission and the State Council of China (in April) to further advance the economic and trade relationship from a strategic, forward-looking and plan-setting perspective and through concrete steps on both sides.

The two sides expressed commitment to work together to meet global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security, and work for positive result at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of crisis management, implement the UN Millennium Development Goals and promote the world's sustainable development.

The two sides pledged to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues, strengthen the UN's leading role in international affairs and seek to resolve international disputes through dialogue and consultation.

Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn