Hu vows to further cooperation with EU

President Hu Jintao on Wednesday said China will enhance dialogue and further cooperation with the European Union in order to boost bilateral ties.

Hu made the remark during a meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who are in China for the 14th China-EU summit.

President Hu hailed the current state of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and the success of the summit, which was co-chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday.

In light of the complex and changing global situation, none of the members of the international community can afford to "go it alone," Hu said.

"The peace and development of the world need to be jointly preserved and promoted by all countries side by side," he said.

China has always attached great importance to the status and role of the EU in the international community and has developed its bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, Hu said.

The president pledged to firmly support the integration of the 27-member bloc, saying China will work with the EU to enhance political and strategic dialogues and properly deal with major concerns and sensitive issues.

He asked the two sides to expand all-around cooperation in multiple fields and at different levels in order to expand common interests and elevate bilateral ties.

China is closely watching the measures taken by the EU, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank to cope with the European debt problem, Hu said.

China will continue to communicate and coordinate with the EU, enhance cooperation in the areas of economics, trade and investment and engage in supportive action for Europe, he said.

"I believe that Europe has the capability and wisdom to overcome difficulties and embrace new development," Hu said.

Van Rompuy said common interests and interdependence between EU and China are increasing in an era of globalization, requiring enhanced dialogue, coordination and cooperation.

The summit proves that the European Union and China are strategic partners and that their bilateral ties are reciprocal, he said.

China's development will offer opportunities for Europe, Van Rompuy said, noting that the European side will deepen cooperation with China to jointly cope with challenges, safeguard world peace and stability and stimulate the recovery and development of the global economy.

Barroso said the European side will work with China to implement the consensus and agreements reached during the summit, expand cooperation and strengthen coordination on major international issues.

The European delegation said it appreciates China's support for its integration, as well as China's efforts to help the EU to cope with the European debt crisis.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang also met with the European leaders Wednesday afternoon.

Li described China and EU as "important strategic powers," "important partners linked by comprehensive strategic ties" and "an emerging shareholder community."

He recalled his last visit to the EU in 2011, saying the development of bilateral ties is now in critical period.

Li called on the two sides to enhance political mutual trust, enhance strategic cooperation, respect and treat each other equally, be open and inclusive, and support each other so as to contribute to peace, cooperation and development in the 21st century.

China is transforming its economic development mode while maintaining stable and fast economic growth, which will offer opportunities for China-Europe cooperation, he said.

Li suggested that both sides should expand cooperation in the areas of trade, economics, finance, energy, urbanization, science and technology.

The European delegation also pledged to further cooperation with China and promote the development of the world economy.