China and the European Union (EU) signed a series of agreements on Monday in Beijing during the eighth China-EU summit in a bid to facilitate their strategic partnership.

At the annual China-EU summit on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, President of the EU Commission Manuel Barroso, and EU Council Secretary-General Javier Solana. Since 1998, the EU-China summit has been held yearly.

Following the meeting, China and the EU signed agreements on such fields as transportation, environmental protection, space development and construction of the Beijing capital airport. In addition, the two sides jointly issued a joint statement about the China-EU summit and a Joint Declaration on Climate Change.

The two sides exchanged views on China-EU relations and major international affairs of mutual concern, reaching a broad consensus.

Both sides agreed that enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership is in the interest of two sides and conducive to peace, stability and development of the world.

China and the EU pledged to further the strategic partnership and deepen cooperation in politics, economy, transport, environmental protection, technology, culture and international and regional affairs.

The timing of the eighth China-EU Summit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.

Premier Wen said China-EU relations have become more mature and entered a new stage featuring stability and comprehensive development, citing the deepening political dialogue, increasing trade and fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Wen said as present China-EU relations are facing a "new starting point," the two sides should become closer strategic partners with a view to shouldering heavier responsibilities and economic development.

He proposed four points deepening China-EU cooperation. First, the two sides are expected to maintain high-level visits, set up a strategic dialogue mechanism and quicken the signing of a new framework agreement.

Wen said the two sides should improve their cooperation in various fields. The two sides should adjust trade structure and encourage two-way investment, said Wen, adding that priority should be given to such fields as energy, environmental protection, information technology and space.

A dialogue mechanism should be established in education, sanitation, culture and tourism, and the two sides should promote exchanges between academics, media and the youth, said Wen.

The two sides should also enhance cooperation in anti-terrorism, non-proliferation, cracking down on organized crime, global warming, sustainable development, and poverty relief, said Wen.

Wen urged the two sides to settle each other's concerns, saying the two sides should objectively treat and tackle trade friction and achieve a win-win result.

Blair, whose country now holds the EU rotating presidency, said the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership is broad and deep and important to economic development and the interest of Chinese and Europeans.

Blair agreed with Premier Wen's proposals, saying the two sides should take measures in such fields as politics, economy, technology, environment, and education so as to further EU-China strategic partnership.

Blair said the EU will continue its adherence to China's one-China policy.

In the summit meeting, Barroso said it is one of the EU's primary tasks to develop all-round strategic partnership with China. The two sides should explore more cooperation fields and take pragmatic steps to promote cooperation between the EU and China.

Differences and difficulties are inevitable between the EU and China, said the EU delegation. The EU hopes the two sides make efforts to solve problems.

Source: Xinhua