Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and EU leaders issued a joint statement Monday in Brussels on exchanging ideas on bilateral, regional and international issues.

The statement said the first visit by a Chinese President to EU headquarters was a milestone in China-EU relations. Both sides hailed the achievements made over the past decades. The statement said past ties have not only benefited China and the EU but the world as a whole. In the statement, China and the EU emphasized global cooperation and the need to enhance understanding and respect of each other's development choices.

The EU voiced its support for China's deepening reforms and its goal of building a moderately prosperous society. China supported the EU's integration and the block's economic and currency alliance.

The two sides agreed on the principles of equality, mutual trust and respect for each other. They vowed to deepen bilateral ties through the "2020 strategic plan for China-EU cooperation", and to establish a partnership that promotes of peace, growth, reform and civility.

(CNTV.cn April 1, 2014)