China, Sweden agree to work together to boost multi-level ties

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 06-11-2007 08:19

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt ahead of their talks in Stockholm, capital of Sweden, June 10, 2007. Hu Jintao and Fredrik Reinfeldt held talks in Stockholm June 10.(Xinhua Photo)

In Stockholm, Chinese President Hu Jintao has met for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Parliament Speaker, Per Westerberg.

Together, they agreed to promote multi-level dialogue on top of a range of exchanges to further improve their two-way ties.

During the meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister, President Hu Jintao made a five-point proposal aiming to boost ties between China and Sweden.

Hu Jintao said Sweden is an important nation in northern Europe and a major member of the European Union. He said China and Sweden should increase political dialogue, deepen understanding and enhance mutual trust.

Hu Jintao suggested the two countries should develop cooperation in various fields, including telecommunications, environmental protection, energy saving and bio-pharmacy. He said China appreciates Sweden for its adherence to a free trade policy and its readiness to grant China full market economy status.

Hu Jintao said steps should be taken to increase bilateral cooperation in culture, education, tourism and sports.

On international affairs, Hu Jintao said the two countries should make bilateral cooperation tighter and exchange views on reforms of the United Nations, sustainable development, poverty eradication, climate change and the promotion of free trade.

Finally, the Chinese President urged both sides to increase understanding, expand consensus and reduce any differences in promoting cooperation.

Echoing Hu Jintao's comments, the Swedish Prime Minister said his country attaches great importance to Hu Jintao's visit, adding that the two sides should strengthen their high-level exchanges and consultations. Sweden will hold the rotating EU presidency in 2009 and Reinfeldt said they are keen to contribute to the growth of EU-China relations.

During talks with the speaker of the Swedish Parliament, Hu Jintao gave positive remarks to the growth of Sino-Swedish ties, saying inter-parliamentary exchanges play an important role in increasing mutual understanding and friendship and enhancing state-to-state relations.

Hu Jintao said China is ready to cooperate with Sweden in various fields for the sake of lasting friendship and partnership between the two nations.

For his part, Westerberg expressed hope to increase mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and strengthen cooperation in economic and other areas.

He also confirmed that Sweden is ready to enhance exchanges with China, and has already formed a Swedish-Chinese friendship group inside parliament.

Editor:Du Xiaodan