Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with visiting European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde in Beijing on Thursday, calling for closer China-Europe cooperation amid mounting global economic challenges.
Li noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relationship between China and the European Union (EU).
Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the occasion, providing strategic guidance for deepening the bilateral partnership, the Chinese premier said.
Strengthening China-EU cooperation is both an objective necessity and a prevailing trend, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with the EU to consolidate political mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation, and jointly promote development and prosperity.
Against the backdrop of headwinds to economic globalization, Li called on both sides to step up multilateral coordination and promote openness and cooperation to contribute more to global economic recovery and improve global governance.
Li also expressed China's willingness to strengthen cooperation with the ECB in reforming the international monetary system and other related areas.
For her part, Lagarde said that it is essential for the EU and China to maintain high-level exchanges, dialogue, and cooperation in a time of uncertainty in the international landscape.
She highlighted the ECB's commitment to enhancing communication and expanding cooperation with Chinese financial institutions to jointly address global challenges.
Chinese premier meets European Central Bank President Lagarde
Chinese premier meets European Central Bank President Lagarde
