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)
