China, EU seek to deepen cooperation

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Premier Wen Jiabao and EU leaders have concluded the latest China-EU summit in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The two sides have shown great determination to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly deal with global challenges.

It's a new opportunity for China and the European Union to further their relations and deepen cooperation.

The development of bilateral ties was one of the focal points of Wednesday's summit between Premier Wen Jiabao, Czech President Vaclav Klaus and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

A joint communique issued after the meeting says that the China-EU relationship is now much deeper and stronger and "founded on a global, strategic and mutually beneficial partnership."

The leaders note that in a complex and ever-changing international context, China-EU relations are increasingly transcending the bilateral framework and taking on an "international dimension."

China emphasized that the relationship was, is and will be, based on mutual respect and equality.

Premier Wen Jiabao said, "In conducting strategic cooperation between China and the European Union, the most important thing is to stick to the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. And also accommodate each other's major concerns, as well as properly handle sensitive issues. And ensure that our bilateral relationship will not be adversely affected by individual incidents."

The global financial crisis that has crippled the world economy was another highlight of the talks.

Both sides expressed their strong determination to fight the global financial crisis through joint efforts.

Wen Jiabao announced that China will soon send another buying mission to the EU to help increase imports from Europe.