On September 5, Premier Zhu Rongji held the fourth China-EU Summit with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, whose country holds the current EU presidency, and European Commission President Romano Prodi in Brussels. The two sides had an extensive exchange of views on China-EU relations and international and regional issues of common concern in a candid and friendly atmosphere and reached important consensus on a series of issues. The two sides believed that China-EU relations have achieved great progress since Chinese and European leaders held the first summit in 1998, with smooth development in political, economic, scientific and technological and cultural cooperation.

Prime Minister Verhofstadt said on behalf of the EU that it has become more and more important for the EU and China to establish comprehensive partnership. At present, amid global economic slowdown, China still maintains good momentum of development, displaying great potential for further development. China’s upcoming accession to the WTO will inject new vitality into the Chinese economy. Beijing hosting 2008 Olympic Games will further promote China’s development. The EU side welcomes China’s adherence to the policy of reform and opening up. The EU is willing to further strengthen political dialogue with the Chinese side, fully promote cooperation in all areas and push EU-China relations to develop continuously.

Premier Zhu Rongji said profound changes are taking place in the current international situation. China and Europe are at an important stage of development. To strengthen mutual cooperation is of benefits to both sides and the whole world. The Chinese government is ready to view and handle China-EU relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, strengthen long-term and all-round cooperation with the EU in all areas, thus jointly promoting world peace, stability and development.

The two sides also exchanged views on human rights and other issues of different views, and explained each other’s positions. Both believed that China and the EU conducting dialogue on this issue has enhanced mutual understanding and achieved positive results. Both agreed to continue the dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

After the meeting, the two sides issued the Joint Press Statement of the Fourth China-EU Summit. Premier Zhu and the EU leaders held a joint press conference. Zhu also attended the working dinner given in his honor by the EU.