China, EU urged to build on past achievements

Xi says 50 years of ties should inspire continued commitment to partnership

President Xi Jinping told European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday that China and the European Union should work together to improve and carry forward their 50-year relationship, in order to bring greater benefits to their peoples and more stability and certainty to the turbulent international landscape.

In a phone conversation with the former Portuguese prime minister, who assumed his current post last month, Xi noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, which he said is a greatly significant milestone that builds on past achievements and aims for the future.

The development of China-EU ties is proof that the two sides can promote cooperation and accomplish big things, as long as they respect each other with equality and engage in candid dialogue, Xi said.