On January 30, 2009, China and the European Union (EU) vowed to further enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership. In a joint declaration issued after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to the EU headquarters, the two sides pledged to enhance mutual understanding through dialogues, properly address differences, expand and deepen cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality, mutual trust and respect.
The document says that the China-EU relationship has gone beyond the bilateral domain and is increasingly of global strategic significance in face of globalization and the current volatile international situation. "Both sides are of the view that it is imperative to further improve the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, which reflects the common wishes of the two sides and is in their interests," says the declaration.
The declaration says Premier Wen’s visit, which was a complete success, has enhanced mutual trust and promoted bilateral cooperation. The leaders recalled the path of development of China-EU relations and were happy with the achievements of bilateral cooperation. China-EU relations have not only promoted development in the two regions, but also made important contributions to world peace and prosperity, says the declaration.
China and the EU also agreed to take positive steps to enhance coordination on macro-economic policies in order to overcome the financial crisis and to promote liberalization of trade and investment. Both sides emphasized that an open, free and fair trade and investment environment and the creation of business opportunities are important means to tackle the financial and economic crises. In this context, China and the EU are looking forward to the next high-level forum on economy and trade, which is expected to be held in April 2009. They expressed the hope that the dialogue can further promote trade and economic links.
China and the EU also committed themselves to global challenges such as climate change, energy supply and food security. They vowed to push for positive results at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009. China and the EU promised to enhance coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues, promote the UN's prominent role in dealing with international affairs and advocate the resolution of disputes through dialogue, says the document.
Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Brussels on the evening of January 29 for his official visit to the EU headquarters. On the morning of January 30, Wen held talks with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and met with EU foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana. Premier Wen also attended a joint press conference together with Barroso.
During Premier Wen’s visit, the two sides also signed nine agreements, covering areas such as environmental protection, intellectual property rights, economy and trade.