China and the European Union (EU) vowed to further strengthen cooperation and work together to safeguard and promote world peace, stability and development.

"China and the EU should endeavor to maintain international security on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation," said a joint press statement issued following Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to the EU headquarters.

The statement said China and the EU should uphold "the vital role of the United Nations in maintaining peace, stability and security and promoting sustainable development throughout the world."

China and the EU also vow to "promote multilaterlism and democracy in international relations," according to the statement.

The statement spoke highly of Wen's visit. "Premier Wen's visithad particular significance for the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides and for the further development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership."

The visit is Wen's first official trip to the EU headquarters, which followed tours of China by European Commission President Romano Prodi in April and Javier Solana, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs.

"The intensity of these high-level contacts is testimony to thedepth and vigor of the rapidly growing partnership between China and the EU," the statement said.

The statement also said Chinese leaders have noted the ongoing discussions within the EU on a possible lifting of the ban on armssales to China and they hoped that a decision on lifting the ban would be made as soon as possible to further enhance the politicalmutual trust and cooperation between the two sides.

On his part, Prodi reaffirmed the EU's continued adherence to the one-China policy, and expressed the hope for a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan issue through constructive dialogue.

On human rights, the statement said leaders from the two sides agreed that the continued China-EU human rights dialogue has facilitated mutual understanding.