Vice Chairwoman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Zhang Meiying on Thursday called on the European Union (EU) and China to further strengthen understanding and broaden cooperation.

 

Zhang made the appeal in her speech at the 17th annual session of the Crans Montana Forum held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on June 22-25. Talking about the theme of the forum "New Europe and New World," Zhang said China has always wanted to see a united and prosperous Europe, and hoped the EU could play a more active role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

 

After 31 years of cooperation and development since China and the EU established diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two parties has entered a mature and stable period, the vice chairwoman said. In October 2003, China and the EU established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

China puts great emphasis on its ties with the EU, and is willing to further develop it on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

 

Zhang also made three proposals with regard to the further development of the China-EU relations: First, to strengthen political dialogue between the two sides, and further promote mutual respect and trust. Second, to uphold equality and mutual benefit and broaden trade cooperation. And third, to expand the spheres of cooperation.

 

On Wednesday afternoon, Zhang met with Monaco's Minister of State Jean-Paul Proust. She expounded the importance of developing Sino-Monacan relations, since it serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples.

 

Proust said that in recent years, the two countries have made great progress in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in trade, culture and other areas. He hoped the two countries could make use of their distinctive privileges and further enhance cooperation.

 

The Crans Montana Forum was founded in 1989 with the aim to discuss hot international and regional issues, and to promote understanding and communication among countries, governments and enterprises.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)