The EU side said it will commit itself to developing mutually beneficial and win-win trade and economic relations with China, hoping that it could actively participate in the process of China's opening market and economic growth.

The two sides agreed to oppose trade and investment protectionism in whatever forms, and the Chinese side said it will shortly send another buying mission to the EU in order to increase imports from Europe.

The Chinese side expressed the hope that the EU would relax its export restrictions of high tech products to China so that bilateral trade and investment could continue to increase.

The two sides pledged to make new efforts to increase mutual investment and enhance cooperation in small- and medium-sized enterprises, trade facilitation, science, transportation and postal services.

They also agreed to strengthen dialogue on macro-economic policy and finance, and make joint efforts to promote reform of the global financial system.

Wen elaborated on China's policy and initiatives on climate change.

Wen said that though the global economic crisis is still raging, the international community should never waver in its resolve to fight against climate change.

Guided by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", China is ready to work together with the EU side to help achieve positive results at the upcoming UN climate change conference scheduled in Copenhagen in December.

The EU side said it has taken notice of China's achievements in energy-saving and emission-reduction, and believed that China has made related efforts in the right direction.

It expressed the hope that the two sides would make complementary efforts and strengthen cooperation to make the Copenhagen meeting a success.

About China's development prospect and its implication, Wen said China is still a developing country in spite of its huge achievement, and that long and arduous efforts are needed on its road toward modernization.

The premier said that China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace and self-determination, and pursues a mutually beneficial and win-win opening strategy, and will never seek hegemony.

While multipolarization and mutilateralism represent the larger trend and the will of people, it's impossible for a couple of countries or a group of big powers to solve global issues, Wen said.

He added that China is willing to develop equal and reciprocal partnerships with all countries, and make joint contribution to world peace and development.

While highly commending China's development achievement, the EU side said it attaches importance to China's positive and constructive role on the international stage, saying it believes that China will make even larger contribution to world peace and stability.

During the exchange of views on energy security and other international and regional issues of common interests, the two sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening coordination on international affairs, proposed that disputes be solved peacefully through dialogues, expressed support for mutilateralism, and agreed to actively work for world peace, stability and development.

The two sides agreed to hold the 12th summit in the second half of this year in Beijing.

After the meeting, the Chinese and EU leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements on cooperation in clean energy, science and technology and small- and medium-sized enterprises respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2009)