China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Friday expressed the hope that China and the European Union (EU) will further promote exchanges in social and economic fields to facilitate China-EU all-round strategic partnership.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks while meeting with Dimitris Dimitriadis, president of European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

The EESC and the Economic and Social Council of China will hold their first round-table meeting in Beijing on Friday, touching on issues on climate change and sustainable development.

The cooperation between the two organizations has become an important part of China-EU ties, and plays a positive role in promoting social and economic cooperation between the two sides, said Jia.

Jia spoke highly of the development of China-EU relationship, saying China values cooperation with the EU, supports the EU integration process and hopes the EU could play a more active and constructive role in international affairs.

China is ready to work with the EU to boost bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, Jia added.

Dimitriadis, elected EESC president in October 2006, said his organization will enhance dialogue and cooperation with China in social and economic fields in a bid to know better about China.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2007)