Brussels, 24/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton will be in China on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 October to discuss further engagement with China on “the most pressing” security and foreign policy issues. During her visit, she will meet State Councillor Dai Bingguo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi and Minister of Defence Liang Guanglie.
“The quality of the relationship between the EU and China provides a solid basis to enhance our strategic partnership, whether on political, regional, trade or macroeconomic issues. I hope my visit can further improve our links, and take them into new areas”, Ashton said before her departure.
At her meetings on 24 October, she discussed the situation in Iran, Libya, and Syria. China, it will be remembered, vetoed a UN resolution condemning the Syrian regime's repression of current protests. Ashton set out the European position on Syria and the reasons for which the EU wants a UN Security Council decision.
Preparation of the G20 on 3-4 November, the European Council of 23 October and the importance of EU-China relations were discussed, too. The high representative and Chinese representatives also considered areas where cooperation could be enhanced, such as tackling piracy and contacts between peoples. She also made clear the EU's constant position on human rights. (CG/transl.rt)