China, EU reaffirm commitment to multilateralism, opposition to protectionism

China and the EU on Tuesday reaffirmed in a joint statement their commitment to multilateralism.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker met in Brussels on Tuesday for the 21st China-EU leaders' meeting and issued the statement.

The two sides reiterated their respect for international law and fundamental norms governing international relations with the UN at the core.

They committed to upholding the UN Charter and international law, and all three pillars of the UN system, namely, peace and security, development and human rights, according to the joint statement.

China and the EU also welcomed progress in cooperation on 5G technology between respective business communities.

"China and the EU welcome progress and further exchanges in the China-EU dialogue and working mechanism on 5G based on the 5G Joint Declaration of 2015, including on technological cooperation between respective business communities," the statement said.

They also aim to conclude a comprehensive bilateral investment agreement in 2020.

The two sides commit to achieving the decisive progress required this year, notably with regard to the liberalization commitments, for the conclusion of an ambitious China-EU Comprehensive Investment Agreement in 2020, said the statement.

The three leaders held a news briefing in Brussels on the same day. 

The Chinese premier reiterated the joint statement, stressing the shared interests between China and the EU overweight the differences. 

Li noted such kind of cooperation is good for China's opening up and solidarity, as well as for the prosperity of the EU. 

Juncker said EU-China partnership is more important than before.

(Cover: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is welcomed by European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead of the EU-China Summit in Brussels, Belgium, April 9, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

(CGTN)