2011-05-20 09:05:45
CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Xu
Li Jinjun, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee attends the news briefing after the conclusion of second China-Europe High-level Political Party Forum in north China's Tianjin city on Wednesday, April 18, 2011. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/ Xu Leiying]
Related: Second China-Europe Political Parties Forum Opens
The second China-Europe High-level Political Party Forum ended Wednesday in north China's port city of Tianjin. But the dialogues between the Communist Party of China and European political parties will continue.
The CPC and European political parties will continue their high-level talks during the second half of this year, Martin Schulz, Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, announced at the closing ceremony of the forum.
He said, "I'm very pleased to use this opportunity to announce the second part of this high-level conference that will be organized by political groups in the European Parliament and European national parties and party foundations in autumn 2011 in Brussels."
During the three-day event hosted by the CPC, delegates from the two sides reached the consensus that there are many similarities between China's 12th Five-year Plan and the Europe 2020 Strategy in terms of both goals and practices.
Against such a backdrop, China and Europe will find more opportunities for cooperation in various fields such as the high-tech industry, green economy, environmental protection and education.
Li Jinjun, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, noted, "Except for the consensus we have reached, we will not deny that China and Europe are at different stages of development, having different histories, cultures and values. So, it is quite normal that disagreements remain between the two sides. Merely one forum cannot solve all the disagreements. That is the reason why we are willing to institutionalize the talks between the CPC and the political parties of Europe."
Li Jinjun told reporters that the Chinese and European sides would make efforts to ensure the forum is held at least once a year, because such an event serves as an important platform for officials to exchange views. He believes frequent exchanges among political parties will further boost China-EU relations.
The CPC was open to dialogues with other parties on all the issues, including human rights, according to Li.
"I agree with Mr. Schulz's opinions. We will beef up exchanges with the European side about the rule of law and human rights, especially the all-round development of human beings," He added.
This year, the forum attracted more than 80 senior officials from both European national parties and party groups in the European Parliament.
Unlike the First China-Europe High-level Political Party Forum, dozens of Chinese and European entrepreneurs were invited to attend. A business conference was held on Wednesday afternoon to give them a chance to look for new opportunities for cooperation.
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