17/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - In its conclusions, the European Council says that the annual EU-US Summit in Washington on 20 June will provide a new opportunity to assess progress in relations with the US, described as the EU's irreplaceable strategic partner, and to deepen transatlantic economic ties. It hails the launch of strategic dialogue between the EU and the United States concerning eastern Asia. The European Council welcomed the holding of a summit with Canada on 19 June at Niagara-on-the-Lake, which will note consolidation of the EU's relations with Canada following the adoption of the partnership agenda at the last EU-Canada summit (March 2004). It also welcomed the recent opening of negotiations with Canada on an agreement to boost trade and investment.