On April 13^th, 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks in the Great Hall of the People with visiting President of the European Commission Romano Prodi.

Wen Jiabao said China-EU relations are witnessing the most active and productive period in history at the moment. Political mutual trust between the two sides is constantly growing; bilateral economic and trade relations are developing rapidly; and cooperation in various fields is continuing to expand. The European Union is about to realize the expansion of the largest scale in its history and China is trying to build a well-off society in an all-round manner, which have created huge new space for China-EU cooperation.

Wen Jiabao pointed out China attaches great importance to the role and influence exerted by the European Union in regional and international affairs and it has been an important part of China's foreign policies to develop China-EU relations. To further enhance China-EU relations not only complies with the interests of China and the European Union, but also helps to maintain peace, stability and development across the world. To this end, the Chinese side proposes three suggestions:

First, we need to study and work out the objectives and plans for the development of China-EU relations within the next 10 to 15 years and further enrich and develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides through top-level exchanges of visits as well as the 7^th China-EU Summit to be held in December this year.

Second, we need to carefully implement the policy papers on China-EU relations formulated last year in a bid to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Third, we need to address the significant concerns of both parties through dialogue and consultation on the basis of such principles as mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Mr. Prodi indicated he fully agreed to the remarks by Premier Wen Jiabao on China-EU relations. He said currently top-level exchanges of visits between the European Union and China are very frequent, with 6 members from the European Commission to be visiting China in the near future. This reflects the priority given by the European Union to EU-China relations as well as the full confidence of the European Union in China's development. Mr. Prodi said the European Union undoubtedly hopes to become a more important partner for China, be it in economic and trade sphere or in world affairs. The European Union is looking forward to further developing strategic relations with China so as to make bilateral cooperation more diversified. Mr. Prodi reiterated the European Union would adhere to the principled stance of the "one China" policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on international issues of common interest.