Chinese president pledges close high-level exchanges with EU

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and the European Union (EU) to maintain close high-level exchanges so as to further boost their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Speaking to European Council President Donald Tusk via phone here, Xi said China is ready to work with the European Union to implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation with an eye to achieving win-win outcomes.

He urged the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination on major regional and international issues and exemplify the strategic importance of China-EU relations in the global arena.

When Xi visited the EU headquarters this spring, the Chinese president and then EU leaders decided to jointly build a China-EU partnership featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization and mapped out the future development for bilateral ties.

Currently, the consensus reached by Chinese and EU leaders is being implemented effectively, Xi said.

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, the Chinese president said. And China-EU ties are ushering in a new era for rapid growth.

Tusk, for his part, expressed thanks for Xi's congratulations on his election as the European Council president, saying that he is willing to maintain a fine working relationship with the Chinese president.

Xi's successful visit to the EU headquarters has laid a solid foundation for the development of China-EU relations, Tusk said, adding that to cement the China-EU partnership is of great significance to both sides as well as to the world at large.

He said that the EU will take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties next year to promote political exchanges and expand practical cooperation in various areas in a joint effort to advance the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.