Chinesepod - EU-China talks mark growing maturity

BIZCHINA / Voice

EU-China talks mark growing maturity

By Benita Ferrero-Waldner (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-01-17 15:54

As we look forward to the Year of the Pig, we are all hoping for good
things: greater prosperity for ourselves and for others, peace in the
world, progress in tackling the challenges that face us.

EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner (L) and
Chinese Vice Minister of commerce Yi Xiaozhun toast after taking part in
the signing of agreements between China and the EU to create a law school
meant to improve their understanding of each other's legal systems at a
ceremony in Beijing, January 17, 2007. [Reuters]

I believe that this will indeed be an important year, but I believe that
we have a responsibility to make our own good fortune. The factors that
govern the well-being of people across the world trade, security, climate
change, energy security are not matters of luck. We have to be proactive.

This week I am visiting Beijing to launch negotiations on a new
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and
China an agreement that I believe will contribute to a better future for
millions of people.

Together the EU and China make up almost one third of the people on the
planet. When we act together it has an impact not only on our own
bilateral relationship but on the wider world.

We are building a strategic partnership that already has a strong base:
Europe is China's biggest trading partner. We are both committed to
strong and effective multilateral institutions. We both recognize the
need for a coordinated response to global challenges like climate change.

Two emerging giants

And we are both emerging giants. China is changing before our eyes,
almost literally. Spectacular economic growth has been harnessed to raise
more people out of poverty more rapidly than ever before. The European
Union is growing in size and in its capacity to act on the world stage.
We are both gaining in influence and responsibility. And the truth is
that whether we are talking about international challenges like nuclear
proliferation, or the environment, or fair trade, neither of us will
fully realize our objectives without a firm and effective partnership
with the other.

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