Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended a meeting with the European Union 'troika' foreign ministers on June 9, 2008 in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. The EU delegation included Dimitrij Rupel, the foreign minister of Slovenia, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, Secretary-General of the Council of the EU and High Representative for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, the EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner and State Secretary Alain Joyandet of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, which will hold the EU's rotating presidency in the second half of this year.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R1) attends a meeting with the European Union 'troika' foreign ministers on June 9, 2008 in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia.

Both sides made positive comments on China-EU ties. Yang said China-EU relations are developing in an in-depth manner. China expects the close cooperation with relevant parties in the European Union to promote the development of Sino-EU relations. Yang said that both sides should focus efforts on the following four aspects. First, work together to ensure the success of the Beijing Olympic Games. Yang said China stands firmly against the politicizing of the Olympics and appreciates the EU's position that is against the boycott of the Olympics. China was willing to contribute to the world peace and sports civilization along with the international community including the EU. Second, make joint efforts to well hold the 7th Asia-Europe summit. The EU is a major driving force to boost the Asia-Europe cooperation, said Yang, adding that China is ready to cooperate with the EU to successfully carry out the 7th Asia-Europe summit, which will be held in October in Beijing. Third, successfully hold the 11th China-EU leaders' meeting, the 4th round of China-EU strategic dialogue and political dialogues of various levels and strive for substantive results out of those dialogues. Fourth, respect the major concerns of the other side and properly resolve their differences through dialogues and consultations so that the Sino-EU ties would continue developing on a right track.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (C) addresses a press conference after a meeting with the EU 'troika' foreign ministers in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia on June 9, 2008.

The EU side expressed satisfaction with the development of EU-China relations and pointed out that the EU and China, as comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, face common global challenges covering the areas of politics, security, energy and food. Solution to these problems required close cooperation between both sides. The EU side thanked China for participating in international affairs with an active and responsible attitude in a bid to push for the settlement of international and regional issues. The EU is committed to enhancing dialogue with China in all areas and is ready to work with China to properly handle issues in bilateral ties so as to push forward bilateral ties.

Yang expounded China's principled position on the Tibet question and on the central government's keeping contact with the Dalai Lama side. The EU side expressed respect for China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Both sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, East Asia cooperation, climate change, Africa development and human rights, agreeing to strengthen dialogue and consultations on international and regional issues.

The EU side expressed sympathy and condolences over the heavy casualties and huge property losses caused by the Wenchuan earthquake, pledging support and aid for the reconstruction of the quake-hit areas. Yang said following the devastating earthquake on May 12, the EU and its member countries, through various means, expressed condolences to China, which embodies their friendly feelings towards the Chinese people. Yang, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed gratitude for the strong support and assistance offered by the EU, the governments of its member countries and European people for China's quake relief efforts.