Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday that China places importance on the role of the European Union (EU) in both regional and international affairs.

During the talks with visiting EU Commission President Romano Prodi in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wen noted that Sino-EU relations are currently in the most active and fruitful period in history.

The two sides have continuously enhanced mutual trust, rapidly increased trade and economic links and expanded cooperation in all areas, the premier said.

He raised three proposals for strengthening Sino-EU relations:

First, he said, the two sides should study and set objectives and plan for the development of Sino-EU relations in the coming 10-15 years. Through the exchange of visits by high-ranking officials and the Seventh China-EU Leaders' Meeting to be held in December, the two sides should add substance to and further develop their all-round strategic partnership.

Second, Wen said the two sides should earnestly implement the policy documents that they signed on Sino-EU relations last year so as to expand and deepen cooperation in various areas.

Third, the premier said the two sides should observe the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit to properly resolve important issues of common concern through dialogue and consultation.

Wen said further strengthening Sino-EU relations is not only in the interest of both China and the EU, but also conducive to global peace, stability and development.

Noting that the EU is about to realize the largest expansion in history and that China is pushing forward the cause of building an all-round well-off society, Wen said the Sino-EU cooperation now enjoys new and ever greater prospects.

Prodi said the frequent exchange of visits by high ranking officials between the two sides proved the EU's emphasis on EU-China relations and its confidence in China's future development. He said another six European Commission officials will visit China in the near future.

Prodi said the EU undoubtedly wishes to become an even greater partner of China in both trade and economic areas and in global affairs.

The EU wishes to further expand the strategic relations with China and diversify the forms of cooperation between the two sides, he said.

Prodi reiterated the EU's principled stance on sticking to the one-China policy.

Wen and Prodi also exchanged views on international issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2004)