China and the European Union (EU) here Thursday pledged to promote bilateral ties, as the two sides strive to overcome the negative impact of the international financial and European debt crises, according to Xinhua. "China-EU relations are at a critical period of development," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said during a meeting with Catherine Ashton, EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Wen urged the two sides to enhance coordination to tackle the difficulties caused by the international and European debt crises. "We should build up the confidence of China, Europe and the international community to overcome difficulties and realize common development," Wen said. He hailed the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which allows the 27-member bloc to simplify its decision-making procedure. He also said he is looking forward to the 13th China-EU summit. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Ashton Thursday morning the development and changes in the international situation call for enhanced cooperation between China and the EU. China attaches great importance to its relations with the EU and hopes to work with the EU to promote the sound, stable and long-term growth of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Yang told Ashton, who is in China for a China-EU strategic dialogue. Yang urged the two sides to view their relations from a strategic perspective, saying he hopes that every effort will be made to hold the 13th China-EU summit as scheduled in the second half of the year.
