Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with the European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Beijing, April 25, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Friday that he hoped China and the European Union (EU) would enhance their dialogue and consultation to ensure the healthy and stable development of the China-EU all-round strategic partnership.

Hu made the remarks in a meeting with EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

He said it was not only in line with both sides' fundamental interests, but also conducive to the peace, stability and development of the world to further cement and step up China-EU ties under current circumstances.

"I hope the two sides would keep high-level visits and enhance dialogue and consultation, increase understanding and recognition for the policy trends of each other," Hu told Barroso.

Hailing the development of China-EU cooperation in recent years, Hu called for promoting exchange and cooperation in various sectors, deepening coordination on key multilateral affairs and global issues, and properly handling and solving major concerns or disputes between the two.

Barroso said maintaining robust EU-China ties was vital to both sides and the international society.

It needed efforts from both China and the EU to safeguard international energy, finance, food safety and stability and solve global issues of climate change, sustainable development and terrorism, said the former Portuguese prime minister.

He said the EU was committed to developing a strategic partnership with China and was willing to solve disputes through dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and constructive spirit.

Barroso expressed appreciation for China's consistent support for the EU integrity, and wished the Beijing Olympics a success.

Vice Premier Wang Qishan attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2008)