Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with European Parliament President Josep Borrell Fontelles during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2006.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Thursday that China hoped to advance the all-round strategic partnership with the European Union (EU).

"As the EU occupies an important place in China's foreign affairs, China would like to enhance its all-round strategic partnership with the EU," Hu told the visiting European Parliament President Josep Borrell Fontelles in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Since China forged diplomatic ties with the EU in 1975, the relations have progressed soundly with fruitful cooperation achieved in various fields, Hu said.

Hu called for China and the EU to enhance trust and address mutual concerns.

China appreciated the EU's adherence to the one-China policy, Hu said.

Hailing China's economic boom, Fontelles said the European Parliament would like to further its ties with China's National People's Congress to boost the EU-China relations.

Fontelles was the first European Parliament president to visit China in 13 years. During his China tour, Fontelles visited Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China.

Source: Xinhua