国内英语新闻:Chinese premier pledges to support euro, boost cooperation with EU

ATHENS, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday pledged to support a stable euro and strengthen cooperation with the European Union (EU).

"China will not reduce its euro-bond holdings and China supports a stable euro," Wen said during a speech at the Greek parliament.

China and the EU have signed a string of important trade investment contracts to help Europe overcome its financial difficulties, said Wen who arrived in Athens on Saturday on a three-day official visit.

Since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, Chinese leaders have visited Europe several times and had frequent meetings with EU leaders, noted the Chinese premier.

That, he said, shows Beijing attaches great importance to China-EU relations and "wants to join you in a concerted effort to tide over difficulties."

After some European countries suffered sovereign debt crisis earlier this year, Wen said, his government announced many times that Beijing firmly supports the measures adopted by the EU and the International Monetary Fund.

"China is sincere in enhancing cooperation with Europe and we are confident about the prospects of our cooperation," Wen said.

Thanks to joint efforts, China-EU trade has already exceeded the pre-crisis level, he said.

"China is committed to advancing China-EU relations. This is not an expediency, but a long-term strategic policy," Wen said.