China and the EU are two major forces in maintaining world peace, two important markets to promote common development and two civilizations to advance the cause of human progress, said Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China at the commencement of the 16th China-EU Summit, in Beijing.
In a meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Xi said, the recent Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee mapped out an overall plan for comprehensively deepening reform; and that China is moving forward to the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, while Europeans have sought the dream of integration for centuries.
This Summit marked the 10th anniversary of EU/China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and offers an opportunity to launch new initiatives. José Manuel Barroso and Herman van Rompuy also attended the closing ceremony of the 8th EU/China Business Summit and of the Urbanisation Forum.
In his opening address, Herman van Rompuy, said: “European Union has the world’s largest and most open market with an annual GDP of €12.6 trillion, and again with a stable currency after overcoming the eurozone crisis. With its 28 Member States, the EU is contributing to peace, security and prosperity in Europe and in the world. At the same time China has been one of the fastest growing economies and is now a prosperous global power, already being the most populous.”
He added: “The next ten years of our Strategic Partnership will require even more interaction between us and more support to each other’s growth and development if we are to succeed in achieving our goals. The EU is integrating more and more, certainly in the eurozone, as a result of the crisis. This will also impact our strategic relationship. China is reforming its growth model. This will also influence the content of our relationship.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and the European Union (EU) to properly position their comprehensive strategic partnership amid the process of globalization so as to forge ahead with bilateral cooperation.
Stressing that both sides are walking on roads that have never been tried by previous generations, Xi called on the two sides to show mutual respect, support and tolerance, and to treat each other equally.
China will continue to firmly support European integration, he said.
Van Rompuy remarked: “Our strategies need to be intertwined for the upcoming years to 2020 and beyond. Already, we agree that a safe and prosperous world needs to be based on green, sustainable growth and on innovation. Avoiding protectionism and promoting investments while assuring a level playing field. That is why the launching of negotiations on an investment agreement is so important.”
“We have moved from a bilateral, trade-focused relationship, to one where we work together on the most important challenges our societies and the world are facing. We have a mutual interest in continued global growth and security.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and the European Union (EU) to properly position their comprehensive strategic partnership amid the process of globalization so as to forge ahead with bilateral cooperation.
