Chinese premier meets European Commission President

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-29 19:34

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.

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.