“China and Europe should enhance communication, strengthen mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, providing the world with more stability and certainty through a stable and healthy China-Europe relationship,” he told visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Xi described China and the European Union as “two big guys” in the world, adding that they should join efforts to “firmly grasp the right direction of China-Europe relations and work together to usher in an even brighter next 50 years” in bilateral relations.
As the two sides mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and the European Union were “once again standing at a critical historical juncture”.
A key lesson to draw from the 50-year experience was “mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, openness and cooperation, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes,” he said.
“China and the EU must once again demonstrate foresight and responsibility, making strategic choices that meet the expectations of their peoples and stand the test of history,” Xi continued.
