Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Tuesday with visiting European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, pledging to further bilateral ties.

Describing China and Europe as "two major forces in advocating peace and development in the world," Wen said China always regards its ties with Europe as an indicator of its foreign policy direction amid the changing world situation.

He recalled the bilateral cooperation formed to tackle the global financial crisis and some European countries' sovereign-debt crisis, saying it enhanced mutual understanding and expanded mutually beneficial cooperation.

"It will bear significant and far-reaching influence to the safeguarding of common interests and promotion of a multi-polar and globalized world," he told Van Rompuy during the one-hour meeting.

China is confident about Europe's stability and prosperity, supports its integration and attaches importance to the European Union's status on the world arena, Wen said.

Premier Wen said he is looking forward to the next leader's meeting between China and the European Union, expecting the two sides to further political mutual trust, enhance cooperation and coordination on major global issues.

Van Rompuy, who is on his first official visit outside the EU bloc since taking office, labeled China "a main trading partner" and "a partner in global governance."

He asked the two sides to layout a long-term plan for cooperation and exchange based on each side's development strategy and advantage, and properly settle disputes.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2011)