On November 20, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with the EU delegates, including former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Hungarian Prime Minister Medgyessy Peter and former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who were here in China for the Forum on China-EU Strategic Partnership.

Wen said that the first permanent European Council president and high representative for foreign and security policy were elected at the EU summit. "As a strategic partner of the EU, China congratulates the leaders elected and feels glad for that," Wen said. Calling EU as an important pole of the world, Wen said the EU integration would help the 27-nation bloc to play greater role in international affairs. He called for courage and insight of political figures of both sides, as well as support from various circles of the society to deepen China-EU relations. "The Chinese government is ready to cement trust and deepen cooperation with EU to promote bilateral all-round strategic partnership," he added.

The EU side noted both the EU and China uphold the world multi-polarization and the EU-China strategic partnership not only serves the interest of both sides, but is conducive to the whole world. The EU and China shoulder great responsibilities in the world globalization. The two sides should not only properly settle specific issues in bilateral ties, but also jointly respond to major global challenges such as climate change by proceeding from a long-term perspective and planning for the future. The academic circles of the two sides should actively offer advice and suggestions to push forward bilateral ties.