On October 3, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met at the Great Hall of the People with European Commission President Jose Manuel Durao Barroso who is here to pay an official visit to China and to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit to be held Oct. 24-25.

The significance of Sino-EU relations has surpassed the bilateral level and is of more and more international significance amid the current complex, changeable international situation and challenges facing the world, Hu said. Strengthening strategic cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) conforms to the fundamental interest of both sides and will contribute to the world peace, stability and prosperity, Hu said. Currently China-EU relations are at an important stage of inheriting the tradition and facing up to the future. Hu confirmed that China is willing to work with EU to push forward their comprehensive strategic partnership. He put forward proposals in the following three aspects. First, he suggested both sides consolidate Sino-EU political base under the principle of strengthening strategic mutual trust and grasp the overall development of China-EU ties. Second, Hu urged both sides to promote concrete cooperation in various sectors in a reciprocal and win-win principle and actively explore meeting points of their interests. Third, he called for properly tackling key concerns and divergent opinions based on mutual respect and equal consultation to ensure long-term sound, stable development of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Hu pledged that China is willing to reinforce communication and coordination with EU, jointly deal with the current financial crisis and maintain the stability of the global financial market.

Barroso said during the meeting that EU-China ties are strategic, strong and mature. The current financial, grain and energy crises, as well as climate change, poverty and terrorist threat require worldwide actions. He said EU appreciates China's responsible attitude in responding to the financial crisis and hopes to coordinate positions and enhance cooperation with China in reforming the international financial system and pushing the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen for positive achievements, so as to contribute to global sustainable development.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended the meeting.