Chinese premier meets top EU diplomat

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met here Thursday with visiting European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini.

China and Europe share broad common interests, Li said, adding that China has always supported the process of European integration and hopes to see a prosperous EU with unity.

Noting that the new EU leadership is about to take office, Li expressed hope that both sides will continue to jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, treat each other with respect and as equals, promote an early completion of the negotiations on an agreement of geographical indications and complete the China-Europe investment agreement negotiations next year as scheduled.

Li added the two sides should enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, and promote China-Europe relations and cooperation to achieve new progress.

Mogherini said the new EU institutions will maintain the continuity of their China policies and continue to prioritize the relations with China in the EU's foreign policy.

She added the EU is willing to work with China to deepen all-round pragmatic cooperation and strengthen cooperation on global and regional issues so as to contribute more to world peace and development.