China was ready to deepen mutual trust and cooperation with European countries, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, a senior CPC official said in Beijing on Friday.

"China always holds an active and constructive stance on promoting China-EU relations," Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when met with a young politician delegation of the Party of European Socialists (PES).

Wang also expressed hope to overcome current difficulties in China-EU relations.

He said the CPC would like to cement exchanges with the PES, as well as its members and youth groups, in efforts to advance the EU-China comprehensive and strategic partnership and jointly tackle global challenges.

"The PES plays an important role on the stage of European politics," he said.

Philip Cordery, secretary general of the PES and also head of the delegation, said the PES maintained long-term exchanges and cooperation with the CPC. And the China visit made by its young politicians will definitely further develop China-EU relations.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2008)