Distinguished delegates and envoys,

Ladies, gentlemen and friends,

First of all, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, I would like to extend congratulations on the convening of Sino-EU Policy Paper Seminar and my warm welcome to the friends from the EU, envoys toChinafrom the EU members and representatives from ministerial departments ofChina.

Last October, the Chinese Government released its first-ever policy paper on its relations with the EU, while the EU released its fifthon China at the same time, which was a big event in Sino-EU relations and also the fruit of both sides' constantly developing bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago. These two papers fully embody the consensus reached by both sides according to the changes of the current international situation and the requirements of their respective development, and express the political willingness to further expand and deepen bilateral relations. The series of proposals and measures to strengthen Sino-EU cooperation that both sides have quoted in those two papers will definitely infuse new vigor into Sino-EU relations.

This seminar is a helpful initiative that both sides made in order to implement the consensus adopted at the sixth summit meeting betweenChinaand the EU. It is of great necessity and interests for the concerned officials to assemble together, hold in-depth discussions about the measures and methods of implementing the documents and on such a basis draw a joint action plan for the future period.

Sino-EU relations has witnessed a developing process of nearly 30 years and gone through the test of time and international changeful situations. Especially in recent years, Sino-EU relations become more and more mature while cooperation in every field has been increasingly expanded and deepened. Under the complicated international situation, as two important forces, both sides have more and more common interests: both sides uphold that through multilateral cooperation China and the EU make joint efforts to meet challenges mankind faces, preserve world peace and stability and promote common development; since China and the EU are highly complementary economically thanks to their respective advantages, namely, the EU has advanced technologies and strong financial resources while China boasts a huge market, increasingly deepened cooperation has brought mutual benefits and win-win achievements; Both China and the EU member states have long histories and splendid culture each and stand for more cultural exchanges and learning from each other; both sides attach greater importance than ever to increase mutual understanding and deal actively and appropriately with differences and respective concerns through dialogue and communication on the basis of equity and mutual respect. All the common agreements mentioned above have laid a solid foundation for the further development of Sino-EU relations.

The sixth summit meeting betweenChinaand the EU held last October established the goal of developing Sino-EU all-round strategic partnership and both sides expressed the willingness of constructing long-term, stable and healthy relations in the new century. At present,Chinaand the EU are at their own important phase of development.Chinais dedicating itself to building a well-off society in an all-round way, implementing the strategies of Grand Western Development and reconstructing those old industrial bases such asNorth-East Chinaand make active preparations for Beijing Olympic Games 2008 and Shanghai World Expo 2010. The EU will push forward its integration process through Easter Enlargement and EU Constitution. The developments ofChinaand the EU respectively will provide a broad prospect for both to strengthen cooperation in all fields.

The Chinese government has always supported the process of the EU's integration and attaches great importance to the role and influence of the EU in international affairs.Chinaregards the EU as the main cooperation partner with whomChinabuilds a well-off society. To strengthen and enhance Sino-EU relations is an important component ofChina's foreign policy.Chinais willing to facilitate bilateral cooperation so as to constantly make actual achievements in all fields under the guidance of the goal established at the 6thSino-EU Leaders' Meeting. China is also expecting to enrich and improve Sino-EU political dialogue at all levels and further enhance bilateral cooperation in international and regional affairs; to better address major concerns and build up political trust; to maintain the fast growth of bilateral trade; and to cooperate favorably and effectively in all fields specified in the policy papers of China and the EU.

At last, I sincerely hope this seminar will be a success.

Thank you.