Chinese leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on
Friday with European Union (EU) leaders over the 30th anniversary
of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two
sides.
Wu
Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress (NPC), said in the message that the increasingly
close contacts and communication between NPC and the European
Parliament (EP) have become an important part of the Sino-European
comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed belief that a
further strengthening of communication and cooperation between the
two parliaments will help increase mutual understanding between the
peoples of China and the EU, and promote the development of
bilateral relations.
EP President Josep Borrell Fontelles said in his message that
the relations between the Chinese and European parliaments are open
and sincere. The bilateral relations have never been so close, the
communication and activities between the two sides have never been
so frequent, and the cooperation in various areas have never been
so broad, he said.
Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao said in his congratulatory message that during the past
30 years the Sino-European relations have withstood the test of
time and international vicissitudes, and have achieved huge
progress.
Facts have proved that China and Europe's committing themselves
to the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership is the
right decision beneficial to both parties, Wen said. He expressed
his belief that as China's open-up and reforms and the EU
integration process further develop, the Sino-European relations
are bound to have an even brighter future.
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, whose country
holds the EU's rotating presidency, said in his greetings that in
the past 30 years, Europe and China have established not only an
official relationship of great trust, but also a solid friendship
between the two peoples. Both sides share the same or similar
position on many international issues and both support a global
multilateralism, which makes the EU and China go forward as real
partners, Juncker said.
President of the EU Commission Jose Manuel Barroso also
mentioned in his letter the remarkable development of the bilateral
relations between the EU and China during the past 30 years.
Currently, the president said, the bilateral relations enjoy a
broad prospect and he is hopeful for the future of this
partnership.
On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing also exchanged congratulatory messages with his EU
counterpart, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, EU
Foreign and Security Chief, Secretary-General of the EU Council
Javier Solana Madariaga and EU Commissioner in charge of external
relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, hailing the 30th anniversary of
diplomatic ties between China and the EU.
(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2005)