2015/5/6
Mr. President, Mr.Vice-president, Commissioners,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honored and pleased to welcome you all to today’s reception on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.
This is a significant occasion to review the achievement of China-EU relations. As we look back, we have every reason to be proud that the past four decades of China-EU relationship has been a track record of win-win progress, characterized by strategicness, comprehensiveness and steadiness.
Amidst the profound and complex changes in the international arena, China and the EU, as key international players, have been able to engage in high-level exchanges, strategic dialogue, build up trust and confidence and work together to promote multilateralism to ensure effective, coordinated and coherent responses to global challenges.
Through concerted effort and vigorous cooperation, China-EU relations have evolved and matured transcending the realm of trade to now cover a wide spectrum of political-security, economic and social-cultural cooperation culminating in their elevation to comprehensive strategic partnership featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization.
In spite of their divergences, China and the EU, abided by the principles of equality, respect and trust, have been able to identify and work on areas of common interest, resolve differences through effective bilateral mechanism for coordination and cooperation, and ensure sound and steady progress of their relationship.
While much has been achieved in many fronts, and this is a cause for pride and gratitude, there remain challenges in the horizon. China has entered a crucial stage of realizing its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. The EU, under the leadership of its new team, is making a difference on the big economic and social challenges and delivering change. And the world we live in is undergoing continuous profound changes.
Naturally, this is also an occasion for us to look ahead. Standing on the threshold of a new decade of China-EU relationship, we wish to tap the full potential of China-EU partnership for the benefit of all.
We will further enhance strategic communication and coordination with the EU to effectively confront global issues and contribute to world peace, development, cooperation and win-win and make the international order and system more just and equitable.
We will implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation with renewed ambition and vigor by undertaking practical and result-oriented programs, projects and activities which correspond to the new requirements and needs of both sides in their respective new stages of development and are aligned to their synergies and strategic orientations.
We will draw upon each other’s reform experience and enhance dialogue and cooperation on macro economy, mutual investment, digital economy, innovation, regional development, social welfare and other fields and promote global governance through our reform efforts.
We will forge stronger ties of friendship and partnership by expanding people-to-people exchanges, student and scholar exchanges and promoting intercultural dialogue and culture diversity and prosperity.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, we see a brighter future for China-EU relationship. As the two great forces for peace, two huge markets and two great civilizations, China and the EU will do more and will do much better to realize their shared aspiration for world peace, stability, development and prosperity in the next four decades and beyond.
Once again, thank you very much for coming to the reception. Now please join me in a toast to the strong and ever growing bond of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU.
Cheers!