Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi have separately met with the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton in Beijing. Both sides pledged to promote the development of bilateral ties.

Premier Wen Jiabao noted that China-EU relations are at a key stage and require leadership from both sides to enhance the relationship and make important decisions to solve important issues.

He called on both sides to work closer to cope with the negative impacts brought on by the world financial crisis and Europe's ballooning debt.

Wen said the signing of the Lisbon Treaty, a milestone for the further integration of the European Union, has also brought new vitality to the EU's relations with China.

He said he expects to exchange ideas and expand consensus and plan for more comprehensive cooperation with European leaders at the 13th China-EU summit scheduled later this year.

Ashton said the EU has recognized the importance of China in the world and thanked China for its support on the EU's further integration and economic recovery.

She said the EU wishes to have wider dialogue with China to cope with global challenges.

During his meeting with Ashton, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China hopes to work with the EU to promote the long-term growth of the China-EU strategic partnership.

Yang said the two sides should deepen cooperation in economic policies and trade, environmental protection and technology.

The Foreign Minister added that the two sides should handle their differences based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

Ashton said the EU hopes to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China to raise the EU-China strategic partnership to a new level.

Ashton is in China for the fifth China-EU strategic dialogue.

On Wednesday, she and State Councilor Dai Bingguo co-chaired the dialogue in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.

They discussed China-EU relations, major international and regional issues, and the EU's perspective on China's development.