China, EU agree to open new chapter in ties

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) poses for a group photo with President of the European Council Donald Tusk (R) and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker before the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels, Belgium, June 29, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

The two sides agreed to establish an interconnectivity platform and decided to reach a comprehensive investment deal as soon as possible.

They also promised to deepen practical cooperation in the uphill battle against climate change on the basis of their statement on the issue.

The two sides are also planning to draft a roadmap on energy cooperation, while encouraging dialogues and interaction between China and the EU on information and communication technologies.

Regarding people-to-people exchanges, China and the EU will complete negotiations on mutual exemption of visas for diplomat passport holders by 2015 and will discuss how to facilitate visa services for business people, tourists and students.

The Chinese side agreed that the EU could open new visa services centers in 15 more cities in China.

The two sides also agreed to set up a dialogue mechanism concerning legal affairs.

Meanwhile, Li outlined China's proposals on exploring third-party markets through production capacity cooperation and got positive feedback from the EU side.

Both China and the EU agreed to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and to help the international order develop in a fairer and more reasonable direction.

Tusk and Juncker agreed on the proposals from the Chinese side on further developing the bilateral relations, saying that China is the EU's interdependent economic partner and political partner addressing global issues.

They said the EU is willing to expand cooperation with China, create jobs and stimulate growth, enhance communication and coordination in the UN and other multilateral mechanisms, as well as closely cooperate with China in issues on climate change, poverty reduction and international peace and security.

The Chinese and EU leaders also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Middle East, Afghanistan and other international and regional issues.

After the Brussels trip, Li traveled to Paris later Monday for an official visit to France.