China has made progress in human rights protection and promotion, said a European Union (EU) official at the 21st round of China-EU Human Rights Dialogue here on Friday.

The remarks were made by Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff, a legal adviser to the Foreign Ministry of Austria, which is currently holding the EU presidency.

During the talks, Wu Hailong, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, the Foreign Ministry of China, briefed Trauttmansdorff on the Chinese government's measures to implement its People-Oriented principle, protect and respect human rights, and to establish a harmonious society.

The two sides, during the two-day dialogue, held lengthy discussions on the issues related to the implementation of the international human rights covenant, cooperation in the UN human rights mechanism, the management of non-governmental organizations, and education on human rights.

Both sides believed that the Human Rights Dialogue rounds, conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect, reflected the maturity of the relationship and the deep mutual trust between China and the EU, and anticipated that this fruitful round would increase understanding, reduce divergence and boost the China-EU strategic partnership.

The two sides also exchanged views on the function of the newly-established UN Human Rights Council.

The China-EU Human Rights Dialogue, which began in 1997, is held every half year.

Source: Xinhua