The third meeting of the China-Europe Forum, which opened in Hamburg on Wednesday evening, is expected to debate how to explore the opportunities of cooperation between China and Europe.

During the three-day forum, keynote speakers are expected to dwell on a number of hot issues like bilateral trade between China and the European Union (EU), climate change and environment protection, and the prospects of China's development.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang and German Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the opening ceremony of the forum, which is titled "The Hamburg Summit: China meets Europe."

Addressing the opening ceremony, Zhang said the Sino-European relations pose a huge potential and boast magnificent prospects.

It is in the interest of both sides to develop the all-around strategic partnership on the basis of equality between China and Europe, Zhang said, adding that it is also beneficial to world peace.

Steinmeier told the opening ceremony that he was relieved and pleased that the German-Chinese relations have been "back on track" after both sides tried to overcome various "difficulties".

He noted that the visits at and above the ministerial level have been resumed recently and Zhang's current visit itself symbolized the progress of bilateral relations.

The foreign minister also said the China-Europe Forum is an important platform for deepening dialogue between China and Europe.

The biennial China-Europe Forum, created in 2004, has turned into a vital platform for political and business leaders to exchange ideas on exploring more economic cooperation opportunities.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2008)