Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan Wednesday reiterated China's strategy to seek sustainable development in its efforts to promote economic growth.

China has put forward an action plan for sustainable development in the 21st century, which represents the country's solemn commitment to the world, Zeng said at a meeting with Margot Wallstrom, environment commissioner of the European Union Commission.

While promoting economic growth, China will stick to the strategy of sustainable development for the harmonious development of man and nature, he said.

The establishment of a dialogue mechanism between China and the EU will help the two sides learn from each other, Zeng said, adding that China is ready to strengthen environmental exchanges and cooperation with the EU and other countries and make new contributions to solving the environmental issue mankind is faced with.

Wallstrom said she was deeply impressed by China's achievements in environmental protection, and hoped the two sides would have more substantive cooperation in the future.

Zeng also had a meeting with Louis C. Camilleri, chairman of the Altria Group of the United States, on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2003)