Chinese, EU leaders meet before ties anniversary

BEIJING, May 5 -- Chinese and European Union (EU) leaders met in Beijing on Tuesday, discussing ways to improve their economic and political relations, as well as working together on global issues.

The fifth round of high-level strategic dialogue, co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini,took place on the eve of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.

The talks were "fruitful", Yang and Mogherini told reporters after the first high-level strategic dialogue since the new EU leadership took office in 2014.

To further the China-EU partnership, the priority is to implement the consensus that President Xi Jinping reached with European leaders last March to build a civilized partnership of peace, growth and reform, Yang said.

"China and the EU agreed to enhance understanding and trust, promote trade cooperation and speed up negotiations over a bilateral investment treaty," he said.

Both sides will also step up cooperation in climate change and connectivity and prepare for the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting this year, according to the state councilor.

Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on the Iranian nuclear issue, anti-terrorism and tackling climate change.

Mogherini said the talks would give new impetus to the EU-China relationship.

She said both sides agreed that the conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved through diplomatic means. She thanked China for its "extremely constructive and useful role" in the Iranian nuclear issue.

"We also discussed the situation in Iraq and Syria and briefly in Libya, where the European Union and China share common interests and where our joint efforts could make a real difference," Mogherini said.

China is planning to hold commemorative activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the end of World War II.

Yang said the China and the EU should urge the international community to safeguard the outcomes of WWII, uphold the UN charter and contribute to world peace and stability.

Mogherini said "the EU pays tribute to the enormous sacrifice made by the Chinese people" and expressed support for China's work towards a common peaceful future.