Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said yesterday that relations between China and the European Union (EU) are developing positively, and that much has been achieved since the fourth China-EU summit in September 2001.

Tang made these remarks during his meet with EU Commissioner for External Relations Christopher Patten.

China and the EU have had frequent political contacts and dialogues at all levels, and have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the areas of science and technology, transportation, communications and information, said Tang.

To further enhance ties, the two sides are preparing for the fifth China-EU summit, which, he said, will be successful.

According to Tang, the Chinese side has noticed that the EU recently passed another document aiming to assist China's development, following the document the EU passed last May about its new policy towards China, and China appreciates the EU's attitude.

Tang said China attaches great importance to the development of China-EU relations, and is keen to see the relationship develop smoothly in the new century.

Patten said the EU and China share many similar viewpoints and common interests concerning major current international affairs and the establishment of a multiple international mechanism.

And the EU is ready to strengthen political dialogue and consultation with China, and further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and economy, investment, science and technology, and environmental protection.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of shared concern, such as the Asia-Europe meeting, and the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Afghanistan.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2002)