The all-round strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU) is growing "both wider and deeper", said the EU Council Secretary-General Javier Solana Madariaga on Tuesday.

In a speech delivered in the Shanghai-based China Europe International Business School(CEIBS), Solana, also EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy said

the EU and Chinese leaders had frank and open exchanges on many issues during the annual EU-China summit held in Beijing on Monday.

"The meetings yesterday proved that we really do have a partnership, which is growing both wider and deeper," said Solana. "We do also have some differences. But there is a lot more that unites us than divides us."

Solana said it is necessary to work with other countries and organizations to achieve shared objectives. "Multilateralism and respect for international law are fundamental tenets of the EU's foreign policy. And I know the same is true of China."

"The outcomes are always better than what we achieve through unilateral action," he added.

Solana arrived in Shanghai on Monday night after attending the China-EU Summit. On Tuesday he visited the CEIBS and had a meeting with Tang Dengjie, Vice Mayor of Shanghai.

Source: Xinhua