Vientiane, Laos - October 11, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday said that promoting a sound, stable and sustainable development of China-Europe relations is not only the responsibility of both sides, but also the expectation of the international community.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane, capital of Laos.

Li noted that since the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and EU leaders in December last year, both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges, and continuously promoted dialogue and cooperation across various fields, with a significant increase in personnel exchanges.

Through concrete actions, both sides have sent a strong signal that China and the EU place great importance on strategic communication and are committed to strengthening cooperation. This has brought stability to the China-EU relationship, contributing to greater certainty in the world, said Li.

Calling next year's 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties an important node of connecting the past with the future, Li said China stands ready to make greater contributions to improving the well-being of people of the two sides and advancing the cause of global peace and development with the EU.

Li said it has been proven repeatedly in history and practice that as two major peaceful and constructive forces in the world, China and Europe maintaining a sound relationship and strengthening practical cooperation are conducive to their respective development, world prosperity and stability, as well as joint responses to global challenges.

He emphasized that in today's world, promoting a sound, stable and sustainable development of China-Europe relations is not only the responsibility of both sides, but also the expectation of the international community.

China regards Europe as its significant diplomatic priority and an important partner in promoting Chinese modernization, Li said, noting that China is also a major partner for Europe to achieve energy and green transition and jointly promote peace and development.

Li called on the EU institutions to view China's development in a correct way and formulate objective and rational policies towards China.

Michel said that the EU thinks highly of China's achievements in development in recent years and attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

The EU looks forward to enhancing exchanges and dialogues with China at all levels and in all areas to deepen mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance the well-being of the two peoples, he said.

Michel stressed that the EU hopes to resolve relevant issues through dialogue and consultation and promote the development of EU-China economic and trade relations. The EU adheres to strategic autonomy and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in international and multilateral affairs and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

Shotlist:
Vientiane, Laos - Oct 11, 2024:
1. Chinese Premier Li Qiang shaking hands with European Council President Charles Michel;
2. Various of meeting between Li, Michel in progress.

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