Government and Policy

VP hopes China, Europe settle differences

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-13 22:08

BEIJING -- China hopes to enhance coordination with Europe from a strategic height, properly settle their differences to promote greater progress of bilateral cooperation, said Vice President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

He made the remarks when meeting with a group of European delegates who are here for a seminar between the two sides on global governance and China-Europe cooperation.

Related readings:  Wen's speech at the 6th China-EU Business Summit  Business leader calls to boost China-EU economic ties  EU leaders appreciate China's support for euro  US, EU reach pact to battle counterfeit trade market

"China highly values its relations with Europe. To further cement bilateral all-round strategic partnership meets the fundamental interests of both sides and also helps the world's harmonious and sustainable development," Xi said.

He called on the European guests to offer suggestions for healthy growth of bilateral ties and play active roles in deepening mutual understanding and trust.

Speaking positively of China-Germany relations, Xi said China was willing to work closely with Germany to step up trade and cultural cooperation. He hoped Germany would positively contribute to cementing China-Europe ties.

Former German President Richard Von Weizsacker, head of the European delegation, told Xi the German people would never forget Chinese people's support for his country's unification.

Ninety-year-old Weizsacker, who served as German president from 1984 to 1994, said China has become an indispensable and important force to solve present global issues. He believed the world would benefit from China's development.

Weizsacker led a 16-person delegation consisting of senior diplomats, think-tank and media representatives from Europe.

The seminar, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, are co-sponsored by the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Germany's Korber Foundation.