Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao meets with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Ashton in Zhongnanhai, Beijing
On September 2, 2010, Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
Wen pointed out that China-EU relations stand at a critical stage of development. Leaders of both sides should take a broad and long-term view, seize opportunities, make resolute decisions, play a strategic guiding role and promote the settlement of some major issues. The two sides should strengthen collaboration, overcome the difficulties and impact caused by the international financial crisis and the European sovereign debt crises and boost the confidence and determination of the Chinese and EU people and the international community to conquer difficulties and seek common development.
He noted that the coming into effect of Lisbon Treaty not only serves as a milestone of European integration but also injects new vigor into EU's efforts of developing relations with China. He looks forward to fully exchanging opinions with new leaders of EU during the 13th China-EU Summit, further expanding common consensus, comprehensively planning cooperation and pushing forward China-EU all-round strategic partnership with tangible actions.
Ashton said that the opportunity of visiting western China this time allowed her to know more about the country. EU recognizes China's important role in the world at present and in the future and appreciates China's support for EU's integration and economic recovery. Both sides should jointly cope with global challenges through dialogue in a wide range of areas. EU is exploring how to more effectively discuss and solve some problems of EU-China relations and accelerate bilateral cooperation. It is willing to work with China to take the opportunity of the coming into force of Lisbon Treaty to open a new stage for EU-China all-round strategic partnership.