China unveiled a photo exhibition on Sunday which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome by charting the progress of the European Union (EU) since its inception.

 

 

Over 600 pictures under the helm "EU at 50", will show the EU's history of development, its composition and achievements, as well as documenting as China-EU exchanges.

 

He Luli, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and EU Commission Vice-President Guenter Verheugen addressed the opening ceremony.

 

He, doubling up as the honorary president of China-EU Association, praised the EU’s plethora of achievements in politics, diplomacy and trade.

 

"To enhance China-EU exchanges and cooperation is in the long-term interests of both sides and will prove beneficial to world peace and stability," she said.

 

The China-EU Association will enhance its role in organizing bilateral personnel exchanges and cooperation in other fields, she added.

 

Verheugen added his hopes that the exhibition will allow Chinese people to better understand the EU and its member states.

 

The Treaty of Rome, seen as the foundation stone of the EU, was signed in Rome on March 25, 1957 by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2007)