China hopes for a united, stable and prosperous EU: Premier Li

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Federica Mogherini, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as vice president of the European Commission, in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, April 18 -- China firmly supports European integration and hopes for a united, stable and prosperous European Union, Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the comment when meeting with Federica Mogherini, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as vice president of the European Commission.

China attaches importance to China-EU relations and the EU's commitment to delivering its international obligations and is willing to promote practical cooperation, Li said.

"China is willing to work with the EU in the spirit of mutual respect and treating each other as equals to advance bilateral investment treaty talks and the feasibility study of the free trade agreement," Li said.

"China will work with the EU to handle differences properly and to better the China-EU relations within the rule-based international order and contribute vitality to world economic growth," the premier said.

Given the complex and changing international landscape, rising anti-globalization and protectionism, China and the EU should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Li said.

He called on both sides to send a positive signal to maintain regional stability and world peace, tackle global challenges, reform and improve the international governance and champion economic globalization and free and fair trade so as to address the uncertainties of the international landscape through stable cooperation between China and the EU.

Mogherini said the EU and China share the responsibility of maintaining international order, tackling global challenges such as terrorism and climate change and promoting global peace and development.

The EU attaches importance to maintaining multilateral system and delivering its international obligations and will work with China to strengthen cooperation and properly handle differences and facilitate the progress in bilateral investment treaty negotiations, Mogherini said.