A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday called for China and Europe to further promote common development.

Li Changchun (1st L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum in Beijing, China, May 24, 2010. The forum was opened on Monday. [Ju Peng/Xinhua]

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the first-ever China-Europe High-Level Political Party Forum in Beijing.

China and Europe's common interests have increased to an unprecedented level in a new era of great development, change and adjustment, Li said, putting forth a four-point proposal to further strengthen China-Europe party to party dialogue and to seek common development.

Li said China and Europe should carry out in-depth exchanges on global challenges and major international issues to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Li also called on both sides to discuss openly about issues and challenges concerning the similarities in their state governance and communicate actively on political party building.

He said he believed that the forum could help deepen mutual understanding and trust between the CPC and European political parties and promote China-Europe comprehensive and strategic cooperation.

Li also talked at the opening ceremony about China's program for tackling financial crisis.

The China-Europe High-Level Political Party Forum is scheduled for May 24-25 with the theme "Global Challenges and China-European Cooperation." Chinese officials from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Committee as well as over 50 leaders and senior officials from various European political parties attended the opening ceremony.