Foreign and Military Affairs

Chinese premier meets EU officials before summit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-29 16:13

Nanjing: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso ahead of the 12th China-European Union (EU) summit, due to be held Monday morning.

Wen said that China attached great importance to the summit, as it was a meeting to be held prior to the 35th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties.

Chinese premier meets EU officials before summit

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during their meeting in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 29, 2009. [Xinhua]

Wen expressed hope that some substantial results could be achieved during the summit, and also wished the summit could fully manifest the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Before the official meeting, I met with Barroso and some friends from the EU, which allowed us to have some in-depth talks, and be better prepared for the meeting tomorrow," Wen said.

The 12th China-EU summit is due to be held in Nanjing, the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. Barroso arrived here Sunday noon.

Premier Wen, Barroso and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will co-chair the one-day meeting, which is believed will focus on Sino-EU relations and other global issues, including economic recovery and climate change.

The China-EU summit is the highest level political consultation mechanism between the two sides.

Premier Wen Jiabao also met with a trio of EU financial chiefs Sunday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Euro Group President and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker in Nanjing Nov 29, 2009. [Asianewsphoto]

Wen held talks with Euro Group President and Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

"The meeting with Euro Group leaders constitutes an important part of dialogue mechanism between China and the EU. Such a mechanism was established the year before last year, demonstrating the further growth of Sino-EU relations," said Wen.

Earlier Sunday, the European leaders held consultations with senior officials of China's National Development and Reform Commission, the People's Bank of China and the Finance Ministry.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet in Nanjing Nov 29, 2009. [Asianewsphoto]

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia in Nanjing Nov 29, 2009. [Asianewsphoto]

The yuan exchange rate was one of the major issues in the agenda of the upcoming China-EU Summit, as the EU business community had urged China to allow the RMB, the Chinese currency, to appreciate faster.

"We will give play to the fundamental role of market supply and demand in setting the yuan exchange rate, and keep it basically stable around reasonable, balanced levels," China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun told a press conference earlier.