Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in New York on Monday that China and the European Union (EU) should jointly solidify the foundation of the Sino-EU strategic partnership, a current priority to ensure the success of the upcoming 10th Sino-EU summit.

During a meeting with foreign ministers of the EU "troika" on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Yang urged efforts to advance talks on a cooperation protocol for the Sino-EU partnership and render the process of talks into one that pushes forward the development of Sino-EU relations.

He also called for the two sides to boost dialogue and consultation in line with mutual respect, mutual benefit and the win-win principles in properly addressing global issues together.

The EU ministers, concurring on the significance of the upcoming 10th China-EU summit, said the European side looks forward to exchanging views with China on a wide range of issues to promote comprehensive development of bilateral relations.

The two sides also discussed climate change, Africa, the Iranian nuclear issue.

The EU side expressed appreciation of the important role played by China in providing assistance to Africa and in addressing African issues.

The European ministers also pointed out that no quantitative targets should be set for developing countries concerning climate change.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2007)