On the afternoon of March 16th, Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with visiting Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana.

Wen Jiabao said there are a number of common grounds between China and the European Union. Both sides are committed to safeguarding world peace, security and stability. Both insist on strengthening the role of the United Nations and multilateralism. Both sides attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations. Both believed that it is in the interest of both sides to further develop cooperation in all sectors. He said China would like to develop strategic partnership in an all-round manner together with the European Union.

Mr. Solana highly praised bilateral cooperation in political, economic and trade spheres. He said the European Union and China should further enhance their friendly cooperation. As to the Taiwan question, Mr. Solana said the European Union would strictly adhere to the "one-China" policy and the policy would never change.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui also attended the meeting.