China, Slovenia pledge to further co-op, several agreements signed

Before the signing ceremony, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, and put forward proposals to enhance ties. Wen hoped the two countries would maintain high-level contacts, increase exchanges between the governments, legislative organs and parties. He also encouraged mutual investment and cooperation on culture, public health and tourism. Wen said relations between China and the European Union had “entered a new era of all-round development”. The tenth meeting will be held between the Chinese and the EU leaders at the end of this November in Beijing. Wen said the leaders would exchange views on improving Sino-EU ties. “China and the EU should take the relationship from the strategic and long-term perspective and upgrade cooperation,” he said.

From Jan. 1, Slovenia is to take over the six-month EU presidency. Wen hoped Slovenia would contribute to improving Sino-EU relations. Jansa said Slovenia would make endeavor to promote China-EU cooperation. Jansa also said Slovenia valued relations with China, and hoped the agreements signed during his trip would further the cooperation on the areas of culture, education, science and environmental protection. (peopledaily.com.cn)