Senior officials of both China and the European Union spoke highly of the Sino-EU relations and highlighted the significance of such ties in the global affairs.

Addressing at the opening ceremony of "EU at 50" exhibition in Beijing on Sunday, Ms. He Luli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Honorary President of China-EU Association, said both China and EU were playing very important role in building a multi-polar world. She added that furthering the bilateral exchanges and cooperation would not only serve the long-term common interests of both sides, but also contribute to the peace and stability of the world.

Ms. He remarked that the Sino-EU relations showed soundly growing momentum, reinforced foundation, expanding cooperation and bright future.

Visiting European Commission Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, described the Sino-EU ties as "deep and wide". He stressed that the common actions by China and EU "have a global impact."

Mr. Verheugen hoped that the exhibition which would be held in several cities in China would deliver the message that Europe was not just "a destination for Chinese goods, but also more and more a destination of Chinese people".

According to the EU Delegation to China, Mr. Verheugen will meet Jia Qinglin, Chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan. He will also meet Chinese officials with the Ministry of Construction, Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense, the National Development and Reform Commission and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Their discussions will cover the issues of energy efficiency and climate change, the development of existing cooperation on regulatory issues, economy and technology and consumer protection and safety.

By People's Daily Online