A long-term healthy and steady development of bilateral relations is conducive to development of both China and the European Union (EU), Chinese Ambassador to the EU Song Zhe said in Brussels on Tuesday night.

Speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition commemorating the30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, Song said that the last 30 years also witnessed a period of rapid development of Sino-EU ties, which have been upgraded to the comprehensive strategic partnership with both sides having become the most important trade partners of each other. Both sides have established an interdependent and win-win relationship, he added.

Although differences in historical backgrounds, cultural traditions and social and economic development levels had led to divergences and frictions, the Sino-EU relations could keep moving forward as long as both sides treat such ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, cooperate on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation, said the Chinese ambassador.

There are more than 80 photos on display during the three-day exhibition sponsored by the Chinese Mission to the EU, showcasing China's development in various aspects over the past 30 years.

Song said that such exhibition demonstrates China's determination to stick to its policy of reform and opening-up, the path of peaceful development, and willingness to cooperate with other countries on the basis of mutual benefits and win-win progress.

"In the face of the ongoing global financial and economic crisis, China needs more than ever to deepen reforms and opening-up, and to maintain the strong momentum of its economic and social development so as to join hands with the international community to overcome the current difficulties," he added.

He expressed his hope that the photos could help people have a better understanding of a real China, and a China devoted to peace and harmonious development.

"An open, democratic, civilized and progressive China not only serves the interests of the country's 1.3 billion people, but also can contribute to stability and prosperity in the whole world," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2008)