Chinese leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on Friday with European Union (EU) leaders over the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said in the message that the increasingly close contacts and communication between NPC and the European Parliament (EP) have become an important part of the Sino-European comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed belief that a further strengthening of communication and cooperation between the two parliaments will help increase mutual understanding between the peoples of China and the EU, and promote the development of bilateral relations.

EP President Josep Borrell Fontelles said in his message that the relations between the Chinese and European parliaments are open and sincere. The bilateral relations have never been so close, the communication and activities between the two sides have never been so frequent, and the cooperation in various areas have never been so broad, he said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in his congratulatory message that during the past 30 years the Sino-European relations have withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes, and have achieved huge progress.

Facts have proved that China and Europe's committing themselves to the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership is the right decision beneficial to both parties, Wen said. He expressed his belief that as China's open-up and reforms and the EU integration process further develop, the Sino-European relations are bound to have an even brighter future.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said in his greetings that in the past 30 years, Europe and China have established not only an official relationship of great trust, but also a solid friendship between the two peoples. Both sides share the same or similar position on many international issues and both support a global multilateralism, which makes the EU and China go forward as real partners, Juncker said.

President of the EU Commission Jose Manuel Barroso also mentioned in his letter the remarkable development of the bilateral relations between the EU and China during the past 30 years. Currently, the president said, the bilateral relations enjoy a broad prospect and he is hopeful for the future of this partnership.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also exchanged congratulatory messages with his EU counterpart, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, EU Foreign and Security Chief, Secretary-General of the EU Council Javier Solana Madariaga and EU Commissioner in charge of external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, hailing the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2005)