State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Tuesday that further development of the overall strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU) conforms with the fundamental interests of both sides. 

During a meeting with visiting European Parliament Vice President Miroslav Ouzky, Tang said that facts have proved that it is in the fundamental interest of both sides to continuously add substance to and expand the overall strategic partnership between China and EU.

He said China places importance on exchanges and cooperation with the European Parliament and welcomes more members of the European Parliament to come for visit.

Tang also expressed the wish that the European Parliament will develop a more extensive and objective understanding of China so as to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations.

Miroslav Ouzky of the Czech Republic was elected one of the vice presidents of the European Parliament in 2004 following the enlargement of the European Union.

Ouzky and his entourage are here for a visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. During his visit in Beijing, Ouzky also met with Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2005)