Premier: China, Europe need to strengthen cooperation to deal with financial crisis

Source: Xinhua | 02-03-2009 07:55

LONDON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Monday that China and European countries should strengthen cooperation to deal with global financial crisis.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (L) and visiting Chinese  Premier Wen Jiabao meet the press in London, Britain, Feb. 2,  2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Speaking at a joint news conference after talks with his British counterpart Gordon Brown, Wen said that during his week-long "trip of confidence" to five European countries, he met with European leaders for talks on issues of common concern, especially the global financial crisis, and achieved "fruitful" results.

Europe and China agreed that dialog and cooperation had dominated their 30-year ties, and great achievements had been made, said Wen, adding that such relationship had brought benefits to both sides, and set an example of mutual benefits and win-win outcome.

Sino-European relationship enjoys a solid foundation and a bright future, Wen noted.

In the face of global challenges such as the financial crisis, China and Europe should make joint efforts to promote cooperation, and make their own contributions to the world's harmony and sustainable development, said the premier.

"This financial crisis is a global one. No single country can remain immune and address this in isolation. We are sitting in the same boat and we need to work together to overcome difficulties," said Wen.

The premier said that if China could maintain its economic growth, "it will be the biggest contribution to the whole world" in a time of global financial crisis.