by Li Jizhi

BRUSSELS, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The video summit between EU and Chinese leaders on Monday has shown that both sides are ready to take a dialogue and communication approach with each other, as the originally planned in-person meeting was rendered impossible by the anti-coronavirus measures, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) said.

While hurdles still remain for European and Chinese negotiators to jump over in order to reach an investment agreement within this year as expected, some progress has been achieved and thus sent a positive signal to the world, said Jan Zahradil, chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group in the European Parliament.

The EU and China agreed on important issues during the summit, which is an important step forward, although a lot remains to be done, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told media on Monday.

"This is a practical display that both sides, when acting rationally and constructively, are able to find a common ground, particularly in the area of economy, in the areas of trade and investments," Zahradil said.

Zahradil hoped progress could be made in the future in the areas of veterinary and phytosanitary cooperation in order to fight the epidemic hand in hand.

Climate change appeared to be one of the main topics in the video summit. As the EU boasts an ambitious plan to cut emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared with 1990, it expects China to follow suit, Zahradil said.

Encouraged by messages that China will stick to its commitments regarding the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, Zahradil said Europe is desperate to hear the good news.

"China is now the second largest economy in the world, and its responsibility is evident," he said.

Talking about the divergence between the two sides, Zahradil said it is only natural to have differences.

"We cannot agree on everything. But despite those occasional disagreements, we have to communicate because we both have global responsibility for the global economy and its stability and predictability," he said.

The EU prefers cooperation and communication instead of a tough line which has been pursued particularly by the United States in recent months, he said, adding that the European way with regard to China is "quite reasonable and thoughtful."

"We are different cultures, different civilizations, but still two important powers both for global stability and global economy," he said.

He hoped the EU and China could keep in touch more frequently than before and work on more potential areas.

"We have to build mutual trust, and we have to try to cooperate in those areas where we can see this as possible," he said. Enditem

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