EU diplomats have pledged to work with China for a win-win partnership as the two sides celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Ambassador of the European Union to China, Mr. Hans Dietmar Schweisgut, delivered his New Year remarks Wednesday at a press conference addressing EU-China relations and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU along with Mr. Grigor Porozhanov, ambassador of Bulgaria to China.

Mr. Schweisgut said that this year will be unprecedentedly crucial for China and the EU to raise their relations to a higher level. This year, 2018, marks the 15th anniversary of the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past 15 years, Eurasian economic cooperation, political ties, and cultural exchanges have significantly contributed to global peace and stability.

Close partners such as China and the EU are working to seek common ground while reserving differences. “Partners do have different viewpoints in many perspectives like China and EU, including political systems, financial opinions, and human rights standpoints,” Mr. Schweisgut pointed out, adding that the EU is fully committed to working with China to alleviate the world’s shared dilemmas and solve global problems.

The Council also offered its congratulations on the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up policy, which has put China on the path to becoming one of the world’s largest economy and made it a vivid power among developing countries. China’s tremendous market has obtained extensive attention in Europe, where fair-trade agreements and transparent economic agendas are welcome to promote the mutually beneficial partnership.

Mr. Porozhanov stressed the slogan of the first Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2018: “United we stand stronger,” and declared its four top priorities: (1) Focus on the future of the EU and its people including economic growth and social cohesion; (2) Focus on beneficial connectivity between Western Balkans and EU countries; (3) Build a strong, stable, and united Europe; and (4) Build a connected, digital, and global economy in Europe.

The EU also made clear its support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative to boost Eurasian relations. Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, who kicked off a three-day visit to China yesterday, Mr. Schweisgut said: These roads can “only be shared” and going global cannot be “one-way.”