On the afternoon of April 14, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with President Romano Prodi of the European Commission at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides held a friendly conversation.

Hu Jintao said that China-EU relations have been developing very fast with the push given by both sides. Last year, the two sides made the important decision of establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with each other, making clear the development orientation of China-EU relations in the new century. The Seminar on China-EU Policy Papers held this year identified a package of goals and plans for enhancing bilateral cooperation. Therefore, China-EU relations are currently presented with a very good opportunity for development. Hu Jintao said China and the EU are important forces for maintaining world peace and stability and promoting common development. China supports the process of expansion and integration of the European Union, hopes to see a more important role by the EU in international affairs, and stands ready to enhance consultation and coordination with the EU on major international and regional issues and to expand the mutual beneficial cooperation between the two sides in a bid to contribute to world peace, stability and development with joint efforts.

Prodi said that EU-China relations are currently in the best shape in history. The two sides have conducted very productive cooperation not only in the economic field but also in the areas of political affairs, culture, science and technology. The European Union attaches great importance to the important position and role of China internationally and hopes to have even closer strategic relations with China through enhancing cooperation with China in all areas.

Vice Foreign Ministers Dai Bingguo and Zhang Yesui, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU Ambassador Guan Chengyuan and some other officials attended the meeting.