European Union (EU) leaders and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing pledged on Thursday to deepen the all-around strategic partnership, including properly handling "sensitive issues" like the lifting of arms embargo.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Li that the EU side adheres to the one-China policy, willing to handle some "sensitive issues" properly with a view to boosting the relations between the two sides.

Li extended appreciation for the EU position, urged the EU to lift the arms embargo and recognize China's full market economy status.

In retrospect, Barroso said the EU-China ties have scored positive development after the 7th EU-China leaders' meeting last year.

The EC boss vowed to map out plans for the long-term development of bilateral ties, adding that it will organize events to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

The Chinese minister said the China-EU ties, which are to see its 30th birthday, have become more mature, adding that bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science and technology, environment protection and tourism has been deepened.

Developing the all-around strategic partnership is in the interest of both sides, Li said.

On Thursday afternoon, Li also held talks with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and EC external relation commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, exchanging views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.

They also pledged to strengthen consultations on international affairs and lift the bilateral strategic partnership into a higher level.