European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (L) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on June 11, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

China and the European Union (EU) should promote cooperation and deepen ties in a globalized world, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Wednesday.

Yang, who paid an official visit to the EU today, said at a meeting with Barroso that China is willing to strengthen dialogue with the EU both on bilateral cooperation and on international and regional issues.

The two sides should join hands to meet challenges in a fast-changing world and resolve differences in a proper way, he said, adding the bilateral ties should be based on equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect.

Echoing Yang's remarks, Barroso said the EU attaches great importance to the strategic partnership with China and values China's role in international affairs.

The EU expects for constructive cooperation with China and hopes to enhance bilateral ties to a new level, he said.

Barroso praised China's achievements of reform, which he said makes China well adapted to globalization.

Earlier today, Yang met the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

Yang told Solana that this year China is welcoming the Beijing Olympic Games, the 7th Asia-Europe summit and the 11th Sino-EU summit in Paris, which would provide opportunities for China and the EU to expand cooperation and exchange.

China hopes the two sides would strengthen cooperation to make those events each a success, Yang said.

Solana pledged the EU's cooperation on those events, adding the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games is in line with the Olympic spirit, which is not only in the interests of the Olympic Family, but also beneficial to world peace, stability and development.

The two senior officials also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

During his one-day visit, Yang also met EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner. He would travel to Paris for the next leg of his European tour.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2008)