Brussels, 18/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - Brussels has congratulated the new Chinese president, Xi Jinping. The EU pins great hope on him for strengthening its strategic partnership.
In a letter dated 14 March, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso welcomed the official appointment of new Chinese President Xi Jinping who, at 59 years old, succeeds Hu Jintao and who will be flanked by Li Keqiang as prime minister. Keqiang replaces Wen Jiabao.
“We (…) express our best wishes (…) This year is particularly meaningful for the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which celebrates its 10th anniversary since its establishment in 2003. The EU is convinced of the importance of bringing forward our relationship in these challenging times and at an important juncture for China's development. We are confident that, under your leadership, the EU and China will continue to enhance their joint efforts to promote peace and security, strengthen their economic and trade partnership, address global challenges, encourage people-to-people exchanges and promote rule of law”, write Van Rompuy and Barroso. A meeting has already been scheduled with the new leaders of the Chinese regime. China is due to host the next annual bilateral summit in the autumn. (EH/transl.fl)