BEIJING, June 10 (NNN-XINHUA) – During their 10th round of high-level strategic dialogue yesterday, China and the European Union (EU) agreed to develop closer ties on a range of issues.
The dialogue, which was held via video link, was co-chaired by Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
With cooperation and consensus always greater than competition and differences, China and EU are long-term, comprehensive, strategic partners, said Wang, noting that, both sides should take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point for developing closer ties.
He called on the two sides to push forward relations, in the post-pandemic era, promote high-level exchanges, and make good preparations for the China-EU summit and the China-EU leaders’ meeting.
“We should jointly accelerate the resumption of work, maintain stability of the supply and industrial chains, facilitate the exchange of experiences on public health and emergency management, make concerted efforts in research on vaccines and medicines, and boost cooperation with Africa, in the fight against the pandemic,” Wang said.
Emphasising the importance of communication and coordination on macroeconomic policy, Wang called for openness in cooperation, and the completion of negotiations on bilateral investment agreements.
He expressed his hope that both sides would consolidate their consensus on safeguarding multi-lateralism and strengthen cooperation under multilateral frameworks, including the UN.
Wang also reiterated the Chinese government’s principles and stance on the Hong Kong affairs.
Borrell said, EU has high expectations for its relations with China and will make efforts to ensure closer ties. Both EU and China are firm supporters of multi-lateralism, he said, and EU welcomes China’s active participation in international cooperation.
