CRI听力：China, EU Forge High-level Economic Trade Dialogue

China and the European Union have again vowed to deepen their cooperative partnership on an array of issues, including the balance of trade and joint efforts to combat climate change. EU Commission President Manuel Jose Barroso has said that he is opposed to the boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games. CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso have announced the establishment of the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue.

Premier Wen says the dialogue will be conducive to the future development of China-EU relations.

"The China-Europe high-level economic and trade dialogue launched this afternoon will become another important platform for both sides to increase mutual trust and realize a win-win situation. Here I want to add that apart from the high level economic and trade dialogues, we will also have a bilateral working group on the banking sector."

Barroso, leading a large delegation which includes nine EU commissioners, says his visit is to confirm the EU's longstanding commitment to the strategic partnership between the EU and China.

"It is the first time that a large group of members of the European Commission has vistited China and it is also exceptional for us to travel abroad as a group. This is a concrete signal of our commitment to our relations and also a signal of the positive dynamics of our relations."(Www.hxen.net)

On the Tibet issue, Barroso says he's opposed to boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games in August, adding that he has been "encouraged'' by discussions with Chinese officials on the matter.

"I can confirm that the EU understands the situaion concerning the territorial integrity and unity of China and this naturally applies to Tibet. The EU holds that China's stability and prosperity is of crucial importance to the international community. The Olympics must be a celebration for the youth of the world and it must be a success. That is why I am against the boycott. I think that this Beijing Olympics must be celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere."

On the aspect of sustainable development, the two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, environmental protection, climate change and technological innovation.

Barroso arrived in Beijing on Thursday as a guest of Premier Wen Jiabao. This is his fourth visit to China since he took office in November 2004.