Chinese vice-premier Wen Jiabao met Tuesday with Sauli Niinisto, chairman of the European Democratic Union (EDU), and his party.
Wen, also a member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, told visitors that China attaches importance to its relations with European countries.
He said that although China and Europe have different social systems and ideologies, they do not affect the development of friendly relations between the two sides and their parties.
Mutual respect, equality and finding a common ground, while respecting differences, are the basis of cooperation, he said, adding that China is ready to continue its cooperation with Europe.
Niinisto expressed his appreciation for the achievements China has made in economic construction, saying that the European countries and parties value their ties with China.
He hoped that his visit would help promote mutual understanding between the CPC and parties in Europe with a view to strengthening cooperation.
( People’s Daily 10/31/2001)
