Chinese premier meets EU foreign policy chief

BEIJING, May 6 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Beijing on Wednesday, calling on both sides to consolidate their cooperation and mutual trust through giving full play to formal dialogues.

Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission, is in Beijing for a meeting with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and activities marking the 40th anniversary of China and the EU forming ties.

Hailing the progress of China-EU relations, Li said a sound China-EU relationship is of positive influence in regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

He called on both sides to integrate their development strategies, and to push forward their cooperation through reform.

China hopes to work with the EU to push forward bilateral investment agreement negotiations, to forge closer trade ties and jointly fight protectionism, he said.

Li also urged both sides to strengthen coordination on climate change issue.

Mogherini said the EU is paying great attention to China's reform measures, calling on both sides to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary to cement economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Hailing the common interests of the EU and China, she urged both sides to jointly counter global challenges and play positive roles on the climate change issue.

She said she was looking forward to Li's visit to Brussels to attend the 17th EU-China Leaders' Meeting later this year.